Of Ickworth's boys, their father's joys, There is but one…
“Of Ickworth's boys, their father's joys, There is but one a bad one; The tenth is he, the parson's fee, And indeed he is a sad one. No love of fame, no sense of shame, And a bad heart, let me tell ye: Without, all brass; within, all ass, And the puppy's name is Felly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A satirical verse mocking a parson’s greed and hypocrisy, contrasting outward piety with inner moral decay.
In simple terms: A parson pretends virtue but is corrupt.
Key Takeaway
Beware false piety.
Themes
hypocrisy
greed
morality
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
satirical
poetic
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- personal integrity
- community trust
Key Concepts
satire
religious critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates the parson’s behavior?
- How does satire reveal truth?
A Different Perspective
A single line may not capture the full historical context.