An Epistle To Fleetwood Shephard, Esq. Burleigh, May 14, 1689

Sir,
As once a twelvemonth to the priest,
Holy at Rome, here Antichrist,
The Spanish king presents a jennet
To show his love, -- that's all that's in it;
For if his Holiness would thump
His reverend bum 'gainst horse's rump,
He might be 'quipp'd from his own stable
With one more white and eke more able.
Or as with gondolas and men his
Good excellence the duke of Venice
(I wish, for rhyme, it had been the king)
Sails out, and gives the Gulf a ring,
Which trick of state he wisely maintains,
Keeps kindness up 'twixt old acquaintance,
For else, in honest truth, the sea
Has much less need of gold than he.
Or, not to rove and pump one's fancy
For popish similes beyond sea,
As folks from mudwall'd tenement
Bring landlords pepper corn for rent,
Present a turkey or a hen
To those might better spare them ten;
Even so, with all submission, I
(For first men instance, then apply)
Send you each year a homely letter,
Who may return me much a better.
Then take it, Sir, as it was writ
To pay respect, and not show wit,
Nor look askew at what is saith;
There's no petition in it, -- 'faith.
Here some would scratch their heads, and try
What they should write, and how, and why;
But I conceive such folks are quite in
Mistakes in theory of writing.
If once for principle 'tis laid
That thought is trouble to the head,
I argue thus: The world agrees
That he writes well who writes with ease;
Then he, by sequel logical,
Writes best who never thinks at all.
Verse comes from heaven like inward light;
Mere human pains can ne'er come by't;
The god, not we, the poem makes;
We only tell folks what he speaks.
Hence when anatomists discourse
How like brutes' organs are to ours,
They grant, if higher powers think fit,
A bear might soon be made a wit,
And that for any thing in nature,
Figs might squeak love-odes, dogs bark satire.
Memnon, though stone, was counted vocal,
But 'twas the god meanwhile that spoke all.
Rome oft has heard a cross haranguing,
With prompting priests behind the hanging:
The wooden head resolved the question,
While you and Pettis help'd the jest on.
Your crabbed rogues that read Lucretius
Are against gods you know and teach us,
The gods make not the poet; but
The thesis vice versa put,
Should Hebrew-wise be understood,
And means, the poet makes the god.
Egyptian gardeners thus are said to
Have set the leeks they after pray'd to;
And Romish bakers praised the deity,
They chipp'd while yet in its paniety.
That when you poets swear and cry
The god inspires, I rave, I die;
If inward wind does truly swell ye,
'T must be the cholic in your belly:
That writing is but just like dice,
And lucky mains make people wise:
That jumbled words, if fortune throw 'em,
Shall well as Dryden form a poem,
Or make a speech correct and witty,
As you know who -- at the committee.
So atoms, dancing round the centre,
They urge, made all things at a venture.
But granting matters should be spoke
By method rather than by luck.
This may confine their younger styles
Whom Dryden pedagogues at Will's,
But never could be meant to tie
Authentic wits like you and I:
For as young children, who are tied in
Gocarts, to keep their steps from sliding,
When members knit, and legs grow stronger,
Make use of such machine no longer,
But leap pro libitu, and scout
On horse call'd Hobby, or without;
So when at school we first declaim,
Old Busby walks us in a theme,
Whose props support our infant vein,
And help the rickets in the brain;
But when our souls their force dilate,
And thoughts grow up to wit's estate,
In verse or prose we write or chat,
Not sixpence matter upon what.
'Tis not how well an author says,
But 'tis how much, that gathers praise.
Tonson, who is himself a wit,
Counts writers' merits by the sheet.
Thus each should down with all he thinks,
As boys eat bread to fill up chinks.
Kind Sir, I should be glad to see you;
I hope ye're well; so God be wi' you;
Was all I thought at first to write;
But things since then are altered quite;
Fancies flow in and Muse flies high,
So God knows when my clack will lie:
I must, Sir, prattle on, as afore,
And beg your pardon yet this half hour.
So at pure barn of loud Non-con,
Where with my grannam I have gone,
When Lobb had sifted all his text,
And I well hoped the pudding next,
Now to apply, has plagued me more
Than all his villain cant before.
For your religion; first, of her
Your friends do sav'ry things aver;
They say she's honest as your claret,
Not sour'd with cant, nor stumm'd with merit.
Your chamber is the sole retreat
Of chaplains every Sunday night;
Of grace no doubt a certain sign
When layman herds with man divine;
For if their fame be justly great
Who would no Popish nuncio treat,
That his is greater we must grant
Who will treat nuncios Protestant.
One single positive weighs more,
You know, than negatives a score.
In politics I hear you're staunch,
Directly bent against the French;
Deny to have your freeborn toe
Dragoon'd into a wooden shoe;
Are in no plots, but fairly drive at
The public welfare in your private;
And will for England's glory try
Turks, Jews, and Jesuits, to defy,
And keep your places till you die.
For me, whom wandering Fortune threw
From what I loved, the Town and you,
Let me just tell you how my time is
Past in a country life. -- Imprimis,
As soon as Phoebus' rays inspect us,
First, Sir, I read, and then I breakfast;
So on, till foresaid god does set,
I sometimes study, sometimes eat.
Thus of your heroes and brave boys,
With whom old Homer makes such noise,
The greatest actions I can find
Are, that they did their work and dined.
The books of which I'm chiefly fond
Are such as you have whilom conn'd,
That treat of China's civil law
And subjects' right in Golconda;
Of highway elephants at Ceylon,
That rob in clans like men o' th' Highland;
Of apes that storm or keep a town
As well almost as Count Lauzun;
Of unicorns and alligators,
Elks, mermaids, mummies, witches, satyrs,
And twenty other stranger matters,
Which, though they're things I've no concern in
Make all our grooms admire my learning.
Critiques I read on other men,
And hypers upon them again,
From whose remarks I give opinion
On twenty books, yet ne'er look in one.
Then all your wits that fleer and sham,
Down from Don Quixote to Tom Tram,
From whom I jests and puns purloin,
And slily put them off for mine,
Fond to be thoughts a country wit,
The rest -- when Fate and you think fit.
Sometimes I climb my mare and kick her
To bottled ale and neighbouring vicar;
Sometimes at Stamford take a quart;
Squire Shephard's health, -- with all my heart.
Thus, without much delight or grief,
I fool away an idle life,
Till Shadwell from the town retires
(Choked up with fume and seacoal fires)
To bless the wood with peaceful lyric;
Then hey for praise and panegyric;
Justice restored, and nations freed;
And wreaths round William's glorious head.

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Spanish Steps Of Rome

The first time I saw her
She was wearing scarves of white
That little spark between us
Took only seconds to ignite
And then it occured to me
Suddenly I was standing there alone
On the spanish steps of rome
I kept searching through the ally
Searching through the catacombe that night
I closed my eyes and threw a coin in the fountain
Then I looked and she was nowhere in sight
I wandered through the holy city
Like a beggar beneath the moon lit dome
Near the spanish steps of rome
I heard a voice as I looked through my fingers
And saw the old monsignor
He gave me his blessing and said
Dont try and please her
And then I heard her singing like some diva
Perched upon her throne
On the spanish steps of rome
Now I know I should have listened
When he warned me not to follow
I noticed that the statues eyes
Were all sunken and hollow
She let those young wolves do the dirty deeds
While she lay there inside her home
On the spanish steps of rome

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Here I Come-4

Holy holy is He
So merciful
Lion and King
Wonderful Counselor
Holy holy
Holy holy is He
Holy holy is He
Forever holy.

Most High God
Holy holy
Prince of Peace
Mighty Redeemer
King of Kings
Most High God
Holy holy
Holy holy is He
Holy holy is He
Forever holy.

Take my sins
As far as the east
Is from the west
Purge me
With your precious blood
Shelter me
From the storms
Cover me
With your glory
Holy holy
Holy holy is He
Holy holy is He
Forever holy.

You are so holy
You went to the cross
For me
So holy
You bled for me
So holy
You paid a price
I could not pay
Holy holy
Holy holy is He
Holy holy is He
Forever holy.

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Life of a Roman Catholic Priest

A priest is nearest Christ;
A priest is Christ at times;
A priest is almost Christ;
A priest is most divine.

A priest is God’s shepherd;
A priest must tend to flock;
A priest must be like ‘rock’;
A priest should ne’er defrock.

A priest communes with God;
A priest draws hope from Lord;
A priest shows love of Christ;
A priest carries His Cross!

A priest is tempted too;
A priest has falls in life;
A priest falters also;
A priest has strength from Christ.

A priestly job is tough;
A priest’s life can turn rough;
A priest has strife enough,
But has to smile and laugh!

A priest helps harvest souls;
A priest has many roles;
A priest has but one goal –
To drink from Christ’s own bowl!

Pray that more priests should come;
May priests curb their freedom;
May priest usher Kingdom;
A life for Christ’s welcome.

Fondly dedicated to Rev. Fr. Xavier Claudius,
Beloved Parish priest, ‘Holy Family Church, Perundurai

Copyright by Dr John Celes 25-7-2010

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The Sound Of Youth Passing

Why is it
that little children

who weigh
almost nothing

move like a herd of elephants?

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.


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Spanish Steps

The first time I saw her
She was wearing scarves of white
That little spark between us
Took only seconds to ignite
And then it occured to me
But suddenly I was standing there alone
On the Spanish steps of Rome
I kept searching through the allies
Kept searching through the catacombes that night
I closed my eyes and threw a coin in the fountain
She was nowhere insight
I wandered through the holy city
Like a beggar beneath the moon lit dome
Near the Spanish steps of Rome
I heard a voice as I looked through my fingers
And saw the old monsigneur
He gave me his blessing and said to me:

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Isaac Watts

Psalm 99 part 2

A holy God worshiped with reverence.

Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at his feet;
His nature is all holiness,
And mercy is his seat.

When Isr'el was his church,
When Aaron was his priest,
When Moses cried, when Samuel prayed,
He gave his people rest.

Oft he forgave their sins,
Nor would destroy their race;
And oft he made his vengeance known,
When they abused his grace.

Exalt the Lord our God,
Whose grace is still the same;
Still he's a God of holiness,
And jealous for his name.

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The Throne Of God

You sit at the right hand of the Father
You are clothed in majesty
The train of your robe fills the temple
Our High priest forever you shall be

You dwell in the beauty of Holiness
You are clothed in magnificent light
You stand upon grace and mercy
And your throne is an incredible sight

All men shall fall down before you
And every tongue on earth shall confess
That you are Lord to the glory of God
And we shall dwell in your Holiness

You are Commander of the heavenly hosts
And God the Father is your shield
And every king that comes against you
Is destroyed on the battle-field

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Psalm 110

You sit at the right hand of the Father
You are clothed in majesty
The train of your robe fills the temple
Our High priest forever you shall be

You dwell in the beauty of Holiness
You are clothed in magnificent light
You stand upon grace and mercy
And your throne is an incredible sight

All men shall fall down before you
And every tongue on earth shall confess
That you are Lord to the glory of God
And we shall dwell in your Holiness

You are Commander of the heavenly hosts
And God the Father is your shield
And every king that comes against you
Is destroyed on the battle-field

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Reverend Lee

This is a song about a very big, strong, black, sexy southern baptist minister
Who thinks hes got his program all together, until he meets a lady who lets him know
That he aint got it all together, his name is reverend dr. lee
Reverend lee, he went to the water, and he prayed to the lord
About old satans daughter, it seems in a dream, child, while he lay sleeping
She climbed in his bed, starts rubbing and weeping, ah, she was twisting and turning, hmm
She was begging and pleading, loving and burning, panting, breathing, ooh, ah, ah
Reverend lee, she said, lord knows that I love you child, but I would not even, no, no,
Place God above you, well reverend lee, he lifted his arms high
Said heavenly father, take me home to the sky, he said lord please dont test me
Not down where she touched me, my mind is so hazy
And you know my body is hungry, oh yeah, and then God rolled the thunder
And he hurled the lightening uh, oh, he seemed to be angry
Well it really was frightening, yes he was, oh the thunder grew louder
Darkened conditions, and just then a voice said, God cannot be petitioned
Just then the devil, oh he emerged from the water, and he said in that dry voice
Your God will not barter, reverend lee, he went screaming from the water
And he was hotly pursued by old satans daughter
And she said, she said reverend, ooh, reverend, reverend lee
She said reverend lee, do it to me, she said, she said, uh, reverend lee
(reverend, reverend, reverend, reverend lee), I dont want nobody else to do it
Do it but you, do it, do it, yeah you, do it, do it to me

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De aguado, le fandango varie O

The descendant of the Spanish Friar says:

What I am selling to you is
Water, something to drink

It is more than that
It is also something to sprinkle
Your forehead
And you become holy
Free from sin
You pay for holiness

Now walk on the aisle
Of the church
And how they look at you
A holy man
Because of my holy water

And you will have a halo
And you become radiant
Radioactive perhaps

I repeat I do not just sell water to drink
It would just be ordinary

I am selling to you purity of soul
I am selling to you a future in heaven

Come now, buy water
Sprinkle your souls
Make them holy
Sprinkle them to all
Parts of your body

Meanwhile, there will be no mass
For the coming week
I will be on honeymoon with the woman
Who got the water from the well

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The True Aaron

See Aaron, God's anointed priest,
Within the veil appear;
In robes of mystic meaning dressed,
Presenting Israel's prayer.

The plate of gold which crowns his brows,
His holiness describes;
His breast displays, in shining rows,
The names of all the tribes.

With the atoning blood he stands,
Before the mercy-seat;
And clouds of incense from his hands,
Arise with odor sweet.

Urim and Thummim near his heart,
In rich engravings worn;
The sacred light of truth impart,
To teach and to adorn.

Through him the eye of faith descries,
A greater Priest than he;
Thus Jesus pleads above the skies,
For you, my friends, and me.

He bears the names of all his saints,
Deep on his heart engraved;
Attentive to the state and wants
Of all his love has saved.

In him a holiness complete,
Light and perfections shine;
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet;
A Saviour all divine.

The blood, which as a Priest he bears
For sinners, is his own
The incense of his prayers and tears
Perfume the holy throne.

In him my weary soul has rest,
Though I am weak and vile
I read my name upon his breast,
And see the Father smile.

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My Best Teacher

she is my best teacher
my love teacher
she taught i to kiss
taught i how to miss.

She ushered me into the circle of love
where my head spinned of her glory
she moulded my fragile heart
with precision she ignited it.
Thump thump thump!
It goes in her presence
i feel it
i see it in her eyes
the gleam the twinkle
speak of a sincere love
i guess am understanding
this lesson of love.

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Frosty The Snowman

Frosty the Snowman

Was a jolly happy soul

With a corncob pipe and a button nose

And two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the Snowman

Is a fairytale they say

He was made of snow

But the children know

How he came to life one day
There must have been some magic

In that old silk hat they found

For when they placed it on his head

He began to dance around
Frosty the Snowman

Was alive as he could be

And the children say

He could laugh and play

Just the same as you and me
Frosty the Snowman

Knew the sun was hot that day

So he said let's run

And we'll have some fun

Now before I melt away
Down to the village

With a broomstick in his hand

Running here and there all around the square

Saying catch me if you can
He led them down the streets of town

Right to the traffic cop

And he only paused a moment when

He heard him holler stop
Frosty the Snowman

Had to hurry on his way

But he waved goodbye

Saying don't you cry

I'll be back again some day
Thumpety thump thump

Thumpety thump thump

Look at Frosty go

Thumpety thump thump

Thumpety thump thump

Over the hills of snow

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He Alone Is Worthy

Sing along with the angels,
Adorned in white,
Kneel before Him
In honor of His throne
Sing along.

Thank Him for His mercy
For His council
Thank Him for His Glory
Thank Him.

Holy holy holy
Is His name
King forever
King of heaven and earth
Holy holy is He.

Mighty is His name
His kingdom everlasting
His love all enduring
Mighty is He.

Clap your hands
Stamp your feet
Raise your voices
And praise Him
For He alone is worthy
He alone is holy
Praise Him.

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Lady Gaga

She has 'it'!
But what is 'it'...
That everyone admits,
Is hip?

It's that staccato,
That belongs to Lady Gaga.

The beat is fresh and really rips.
No one who hears it can just sit.

She came upon the scene as Lady Gaga.

'Gimme lights.
I gotta move my hips.
Step left to right.
And shake my rear.
With nuevo class.
And a bass that pumps.
Rock nonstoppin'
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump! '

'Gimme lights.
I gotta move my hips.
Step left to right.
And shake my rear.
With nuevo class.
And a bass that pumps.
Rock nonstoppin'
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump! '

It's that staccato,
That belongs to Lady Gaga.

'Gimme lights.
I gotta move my hips.
Step left to right.
And shake my rear.
With nuevo class.
And a bass that pumps.
Rock nonstoppin'
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump
de thump.
Feel that thump! '

'Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more...'

Lady Gaga!

'Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more...'
Two-Three
'Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more.
Pump up that thump.
Gimme more...'

Lady Gaga!

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Breath Of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside,
And i wonder what i've done.
Holy father you have come,
And chosen me now to carry your son.
I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load i bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must i walk this path alone?
Be with me now.
Be with me now.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.
Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place,
But i offer all i am
For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong.
Help me be.
Help me.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven.

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Holy Is The Lord

Holy is your name, in all the earth I worship you
Holy is your name, in all the earth I come to you
Holy is your name, in all the earth I sing to you
Holy, Holy, Holy is your name

Holy are you Lord, I come before your throne and bow
Holy are you Lord, I come into your presence now
Holy are you Lord I listen to the angels sing
Holy, Holy, Holy are you Lord

Holy are you Lord, my heart it leaps within my chest
Holy are you Lord, Its in your arms I find my rest
Holy are you Lord, the saints around the world they sing
Holy, Holy, Holy are you Lord

Now listen to the saints, they sing Holy are you Lord
Now listen to them cry to you, Holy are you Lord
There is a cry around the world, they lift their voice and sing
Holy, Holy, Holy are you Lord

I come before your throne to sing, Holy is your name
I come before your throne to sing, I'll never be the same
Pour our out your fire of love on me, this is what I sing
Holy, Holy, to the risen King

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Breath Of Heaven [Mary's Song]

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary, with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now, to carry your son.
I am waiting, in a silent prayer
I am frightened, by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now.
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy,
Breath of Heaven.
Do you wonder when you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am for the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong, help me be strong,
Help me be strong, help me.
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy.
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy.
Breath of Heaven,
Breath of Heaven,
Breath of Heaven,
Breath of Heaven...

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Jump And Thump

Jump and thump.
Move your hump.
Jump and thump.
Move your hump.
Jump and thump.
Move your hump.
Jump and thump.
Move your hump.
Jump and thump.
Jump and thump.
When you're drunk,
jump and thump.
Move your hump.
Jump and thump,
when you're drunk.
Jump and thump.
Jump and thump.
When you're drunk.
Jump and thump.
(Transcribed by ear; corrections requested and welcomed!)

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Isaac Watts

Psalm 110

Christ's kingdom and priesthood.

Jesus, our Lord, ascend thy throne,
And near the Father sit;
In Zion shall thy power be known,
And make thy foes submit.

What wonders shall thy gospel do!
Thy converts shall surpass
The num'rous drops of morning dew,
And own thy sovereign grace.

God hath pronounced a firm decree,
Nor changes what he swore:
"Eternal shall thy priesthood be,
When Aaron is no more.

"Melchizedek, that wondrous priest,
That king of high degree,
That holy man who Abraham blessed,
Was but a type of thee."

Jesus our Priest for ever lives
To plead for us above;
Jesus our King for ever gives
The blessings of his love.

God shall exalt his glorious head,
And his high throne maintain;
Shall strike the powers and princes dead
Who dare oppose his reign.

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