An ode adressd [sic] to a Gentleman who prides himself toomuch on holding his Estate by Tenure of Grand Sergeantry', undated (Series 86.04) - No. 0001

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An ode

Addressd to a gentleman who prides himself too much on holding his Estate by Tenure of Grand Sergeantry.

1

Methinks you look too high
because by calles claims his Sergeantry.
An office is your due. 
Claim precedent to your Estate. 
Cannot avail to make you great
till first allowd to you.
The title couldnt make you great
This Parcel of your home Estate
it dont attch to you.

2

Your ancestors as Herald write
were Earls & Barons traind to Fight
& Knights of high degree
who mixd not with the vulgar herd 
nor ere by action thought or word 
debars nobility.

3

But all who care about the matter 
Know that your Grand sire was a Hatter
who near to Newgate dwelt
on * simple Retale Cockney mostly willing
for sixpence or perhaps a Shilling
to scour a greasy pelt.

4

They know that too, when at Hogsdens, Ball
Midst Belles & Beaux from City Hall
your Father wishd to Shine
That those who knew his Fathers shop
Their Claim of Place & Precedence refusd to drop
if in the Wholesale line.

* he enterd into the Wholesale Trade some years before he receivd the manor of Scrivelsby by Testamentary bequest but he did not live to petition the Court of Claims of Course he was never seizd of the office of Champions.