Occasional verse, moral and sacred Published for the instruction and amusement of the Candidly Serious and Religious [by Edward Perronet] |
 |
|
HYPOCRISY. |
 | Occasional verse, moral and sacred |  |
HYPOCRISY.
Fawning, deceitful, turbulent, or meek,She darts the blow, or turns the other cheek:
{A} double tongue, to prate on either side,
And double eyes, to watch the double tide:
174
For this to tarry, or with that to go:
Can sigh or sob, can leering grin or groan,
Pinch out your heart, and crack the breaking bone;
Your faults expose, or flatter every vice;
For this too nasty, and for that too nice:
Can lie, cheat, hide, or twisting like a snake,
Can suck your substance, till your heart-strings break:
Religion's craft in every form can act,
And plead the Bible for the vilest fact:
Make conscience truckle when she would withstand,
As interest's hope her silence may demand:
Fair to your face, but turn'd the culprit's back,
Your name is Demon, and yourself a black:
The truth affects, yet can the truth deny,
And credit, forge, or propagate a lie:
Feigns to lament, and seals it with a groan,
She deep enjoys the ill she hopes is done.
| Occasional verse, moral and sacred | |