each the true Gospel sent us from above;
Not only preach it but act in a way
As denote God's commands they most strictly obey.
In my youthful days 'twas ne'er thought a treat,
When farmers most truly did each other meet;
'Twas the custom to drink till you could drink no more,
Ere you left your neighbour's old fashion'd door;
And when to our market they weekly did roam,
Was sure to get tipsy ere they return'd home.
Now their manners are alter'd most steady come back,
With an ardent desire to peruse Mr. Mack;
On what he advances on the culture of land,
Most Yeomen can read and can well understand.
Refin'd are their manners, with judgment survey
Such books as by chance may fall in their way;
Book Clubs assist them the mind to refine,
Such proper support they do not decline.
The females well copy, it's daily their rule
To get further improvement when taken from school.
Miss can chat with the curate or country squire,
Most ladies these
