The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer modernis'd by several hands. Publsh'd by Mr. Oggle |
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THE MAN of LAW, &c. |
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| III. |
 | The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer |  |
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THE MAN of LAW, &c.
By Mr. BETTERTON.
A
Serjeant of the Law, discreet, precise,
Well cou'd he plead at Bar, and well advise;
Wealthy he was, but frugal of Expence,
And his sage Look demanded Reverence.
Weighty his Arguments; his Words were wise;
Oft he had sat as Judge at an Assize:
There by Commission rais'd to high Degree,
Maturely weigh'd out Justice equally.
Robes for the Bench he had, and for the Bar;
No Serjeant was a greater Purchaser,
If safe the Title, moderate the Price,
A good Fee-simple never came amiss.
He for a very busie Man did pass,
And yet he seem'd much busier than he was.
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And Law enough to make those Clients mad.
All his Conveyances were legal, true,
No Flaw was found in any thing he drew.
The Statutes of the Land he had by Heart,
Turn'd all to Gold without the Chymist's Art:
In a plain motley Coat he rode, ty'd fast
With a strip'd Silken Sash about his Waist.
| The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer | |