The Rev'rend Henry Foyster's name was added to the list,
Whilst Gutsell and A. Vidler - both promised to assist.
Then Scrivens, Ticehurst, Ginner, Ransom, Dunk and Boykett Breeds;
Sure such a host of worthy names presages wondrous deeds!
But oh! we almost had forgot 'mongst all the names put down,
Those other well-known characters - Smith, Robinson and Brown
Should strangers say this is a pun, let natives undeceive them,
Or should they say we write in fun, let no sane man believe them.
Ficticious names have here no place, but good, substantial people;
And soon you'll find them hanging bells on old St. Clement's steeple.
Sucess(sic)! we say, to that proud day; we long to see the time,
When that old tow'r obtains the pow'r to peal a merry chime.
The bells shall ring, and belles shall sing a blythe and jocund lay,
And ev'ry band that's near at hand shall its best music play;
Those sacred chimes at proper times shall tell the sinners needs,
Or if sad war our peace should mar, they'll tell of Valour's deeds.
Their merry lays on festive days shall tell of laughing hearts;
Of echoing grove, of plighted love, of Cupid's piercing darts;
Or, at the least, of nuptial feast the news they will be spreading,
When they shall play "The Wedding Day" or "Haste ye to the Wedding."
Of Royal birth, with equal mirth, they shall the tidings bring,
And shall not spare that magic air - "God save the Queen" or King.
Then freely give all ye who live in this our ancient town,
To this grand plan, and unborn man shall tell of your renown!
Up to May the fifth the subscriptions for the proposed new bells had amounted to £150, of which sum the Rev. J. Fisk and Mr. James Breeds had promised £10 each; Messrs. John Phillips, Lucas-Shadwell, G. West and J. Grenside £5 each; W. Brisco, Rev. J. Vores and Miss North, also £5 each; the Mayor, £3; and other persons lesser sums.
Nearly two months were added to the roll of time when it was found that the "discordant bells" of old St. Clement's were to have a fresh lease granted to them in consequence of the subscriptions for the new peal having come to a stand-still near the half way house. In later chapters it will be seen that as the £300 could not be obtained, it was resolved to return the amounts subscribed for, and that afterwards the scheme was revived and the bells purchased.
