They'll issue a warrant - so pray, take you care!
For resisting the claims of the poor Hastings man.
He has the great big-wigs, the Town-clerk and Mayor,
Potential their sway from Beershelm to Dan;
In his cave, jail or Castle you'll meet with hard fare,
If trifle you will with our dear ancient man.
You say of eight churches, six fall to his share;
All chapels, save one, are possessed by his clan,
And now he wants that you are ready to swear,
And sternly refuse it, the poor Hastings man.
You say of societies here round about,
Which good and benevolent breezes do fan,
He has his full share, and you utterly scout,
His pretention to yours. Oh the dear ancient man!
The Infrim'ry is his, the Dispensary too,
And many more things which the eye doesn't scan
Yet deigns he to take large subscriptions from you;
So do not be rude to the still needy man!
He gets the grand cirques and he has the Rock Fair,
For which he allows you to furnish the "scan";
And does all he can to amuse you when there,
What more should you want of the generous man?
The little one hasn't is always enough,
And to get just that little is part of his plan;
Then why is St. Leonards so bluff, gruff and chuff,
And so blind to the wants of the poor Hastings man?
Did you not break his Bank? - now I won't say you did[a],
But I know that you had there is fish in the pan;
And sins of that sort, you know, cannot be hid;
So I hope you'll atone to the poor dear old man.
There is one good trait - Give the Devil his due!-
When a life-boat to get, the subscriptions began,
Four-fifths of the money was squeezed of you,
And thankful for that is the poor Hastings man.
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