John Gay

Life is a jest; and all things show it.
I thought so once; but now I know it.

Life is a jest; and all things show it.
I thought so once; but now I know it.

Those who in quarrels interpose, Must often wipe a bloody nose.

Those who in quarrels interpose, Must often wipe a bloody nose.

When if or chance or hunger's powerful sway
Directs the roving trout this fatal way,
He greedily read more

When if or chance or hunger's powerful sway
Directs the roving trout this fatal way,
He greedily sucks in the twining bait,
And tugs and nibbles the fallacious meat.
Now, happy fisherman; now twitch the line!
How thy rod bends! behold, the prize is thine!

Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.

Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.

Give me, kind Heaven, a private station,
A mind serene for contemplation:
Title and profit I resign;
read more

Give me, kind Heaven, a private station,
A mind serene for contemplation:
Title and profit I resign;
The post of honor shall be mine.