Classic Poem

Minerva has vowed since the bishops do slight her,
Should the reverend peers, by chance e'er invite her,
She's resolved never more to be known by the mitre.

The temporal lords, who voted against her,
She frankly forgives, as not having incensed her,
For securing their pensions is best proof of their sense, sir.

At first putting the question, their lordships were for 't,
And his Grace's wise motion did bravely support,
Till positive orders was whispered from court.

So this they allege in their justification,
They vote for their bread in undoing the nation,
And the first law of nature is self-preservation.