The+Little+Vagabond


 * The Little Vagabond

About the poem:** The rhyme scheme in this poem is aabb, except for the first two lines. It reflects on a man's proposition to unite the Church and the Ale-house to create an atmosphere full of merriment and faith. Although consuming alcohol may lead to sinful act, the speaker believes that alcohol can create a relaxed environment that promotes a connection with God. The speaker in this poem is the vagabond, who is a poor wanderer, possibly with hard times in his past. The vagabond looks towards alcohol to forget his worries, and achieve happiness.

Dear Mother, dear Mother, the Church is cold, But the Ale-house is healthy & pleasant & warm; Besides I can tell where I am used well, Such usage in heaven will never do well.
 * The Little Vagabond**

But if at the Church they would give us some Ale, And a pleasant fire our souls to regale, We'd sing and we'd pray all the live-long day, Nor ever once wish from the Church to stray

Then the Parson might preach, & drink, & sing, And we'd be as happy as birds in the spring; And modest dame Lurch, who is always at Church, Would not have bandy children, nor fasting, nor birch.

And God, like a father rejoicing to see His children as pleasant and happy as he, Would have no more quarrel with the Devil or the Barrel, But kiss him, & give him both drink and apparel.

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