Ladies

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 3, 15 April 1893, Page 12

Ladies

THE DONATION PARTY. As the year came round, and affairs were talked, It was very commonly said, That the parson’s salary, scanty at best, Had been but scantily paid. So the people all, with the best intent, And feelings most kind and hearty, Resolved to go to the minister’s house, And give a “ donation party.” So they made some biscuit, and baked some bread, And rolled out some ginger snaps, Some sausages fried, and some sandwiches spread, And then, putting on their wraps, In a body together, with cheerful steps, To the parsonage house they went, Bearing their baskets, and bundles, and rolls, On their errand of charity bent. And while they were at the parson’s house, They scattered the floor with crumbs, And smirched the leaves of his choicest books With the prints of their greasy thumbs. They piled his dishes up high and thick. With a lot of unhealthful cake, And they ate up themselves the nice toast and rolls Which the parson’s wife did make. They hung on his graceful mantel clock Their apple-parings for sport; And everyone laughed when a bungling lout Spilled tea on the pianoforte. His papers they rummaged, his spectacles broke, And on his good wife’s best sofa A lamp was upset, and the kerosene spilt By a stupid and blundering loafer. When they left, the dishes were all unwashed And the floors were in pitiful plight; And glasses were cracked, and plates were broke, Before they had bidden good-night. They flattered themselves they were helping the Lord, By helping the parson to live ; But in fact they were having a jolly good time: And of all they brought with them to give, Each gobbled whatever he thought was best, Of decency, even, bereft; Till of all they brought to the parsonagehouse, But little or nothing was left! ***** Next day the parson went down on his knees With bis wife—but not to pray—0, no ! ’twas to scrape the grease and dirt From the carpet and stairs away. And at night as be bowed at the throne of grace, With petitions sincere and hearty, When for blessings he asked he did not pray For another donation party. —Selected.