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THE INDIAN CONVERT.

Why, no. Then what is it to me,

If I belong to them or thee?

You may by flight your freedom save,
If you disdain to be a slave.
For me it is no new disaster;
Nor do I know

The thing that I can call my foe,
Except my master.

139

THE INDIAN CONVERT.

(FRENEAU.)

AN Indian, who liv'd at Muskingum remote,
Was teazed by a parson to join his dear flock,
To throw off his blanket and put on a coat,
And of grace and religion to lay in a stock.

The Indian long slighted an offer so fair,
Preferring to preaching his fishing and fowling;
A sermon to him was a heart full of care,
And singing but little superior to howling.

At last by persuasion and constant harassing,
Our Indian was brought to consent to be good;
He saw that the malice of Satan was pressing,

And the means to repel him not yet understood. Of heaven, one day when the parson was speaking, And painting the beautiful things of the place, The convert who something substantial was seeking Rose up and confessed he had doubts in the case

Said he Master Minister, this place that you talk of, Of things for the stomach, pray what has it got; Has it liquors in plenty?—If so I'll soon walk off And put my self down in the heavenly spot.

136

THE CLOWNS REPLY.

You fool (said the preacher) no liquors are there! The place I'm describing is most like our meeting, Good people, all singing with preaching and pray'r; They live upon these without eating or drinking.

But the doors are all locked against folks that are wicked;

And
you I am fearful, will never get there ;-
A life of REPENTANCE must purchase the ticket,
And few of you Indians can buy it, I fear.
Farewell (said the Indian) I'm none of your mess;
On victuals so airy I faintish should feel,

I cannot consent to be lodged in a place
Where there's nothing to eat and but little to steal.

THE CLOWN'S REPLY.

(GOLDSMITH.)

JOHN Trott was desir'd by two witty peers, To tell them the reason why Asses had ears?" 'An't please you,' quoth John, I'm not given to

letters,

6

'Nor dare I pretend to know more than my betters; 'Howe'er from this time I shall ne'er see your graces 'As I hope to be sav'd, without thinking on asses!'

THE END.

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