Note 1356 — Chapter X · RISE OF CIVIL MARRIAGE
Reading edition
John Gainham, the "wrynecked parson," as he is frequently called in the contemporary newspapers, rejoiced in the significant title of "Bishop of Hell." When asked by an advocate whether he was "not ashamed to come and own a clandestine marriage in the face of a court of justice," he blandly replied: Video meliora, deteriora sequor. The following lines from the "Morning Walk, 8°, 1751" (Burn, Parish Registers, 155), may be compared with similar lines reprinted by Ashton (op. cit., 345, 346):
Where lead my wand'ring footsteps now? the Fleet Presents her tatter'd sons in Luxury's cause: Here venerable Crape and scarlet Cheeks, With nose of purple hue, high eminent And squinting leering looks, now strike the eye. B-sh-p of Hell, once in the precincts call'd Renown'd for making thoughtless Contracts, here He reign'd in bloated reeling majesty And passed in Sottishness and Smoke his time— Rever'd by Gins adorers, and the tribe Who pass in brawls, lewd jests, and drink, their days, Sons of low, groveling riot and debauch. Here Cleric grave from Oxford ready stands Obsequious to conclude the Gordian knot, Entwin'd beyond all dissolution sure; A Reg'lar this from Cambridge; both alike In artful Stratagem to tye the noose, While women 'Do you want the Parson?' cry."