The Fable of the Bees: Or Private Vices, Publick Benefits

Law and Church?

The Lawyers, whose art was based on
Instigating feuds and splitting cases,
Opposed all property registers, so that cheats
Might create more work with mortgaged estates; "Dipt estates" refers to properties encumbered by debt or mortgages.
As if it were unlawful that one's own property,
Without a lawsuit, should be known.
They willfully delayed hearings
To pocket the refreshing fee; A "refreshing fee" was an additional payment made to a lawyer for a case that had been delayed or carried over.
And to defend a wicked cause,
They examined and surveyed the laws,
Just as burglars do to shops and houses,
To find the best place to break through.

PHYSICIANS valued fame and wealth
Above the failing patient's health,
Or even their own skill: the greatest part
Studied, instead of the rules of medical science,
Solemn, pensive looks and dull behavior,
To gain the apothecary's favor;
The praise of midwives, priests, and all
Who served at birth or funeral.
To tolerate the ever-talking tribe,
And listen to my lady's aunt prescribe;
With a formal smile and a kind "How are you?"
To fawn on the whole family;
And—which of all is the greatest curse—
To endure the impertinence of nurses.

Among the many priests of Jove,
Hired to draw down blessings from above,
A few were learned and eloquent,
But thousands were zealous and ignorant:
Yet all passed muster if they could hide
Their sloth, lust, greed, and pride;
For which they were as famous as tailors
Are for "cabbage," "Cabbage" was a slang term for the scraps of cloth stolen by tailors from their customers' fabric. or sailors for brandy:
Some, thin-looking and poorly dressed,
Would mystically pray for "bread,"
Meaning by that an ample supply,
Yet? literally received no more;