Jonathan Swift

In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to read more

In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to ease us,
Points out some circumstance to please us.

It is a maxim, that those to whom everybody allows the second
place have an undoubted title to the read more

It is a maxim, that those to whom everybody allows the second
place have an undoubted title to the first.

I warrant you lay abed till the cows came home.

I warrant you lay abed till the cows came home.

They never would hear,
But turn the deaf ear,
As a matter they had no concern in.

They never would hear,
But turn the deaf ear,
As a matter they had no concern in.

I know Sir John will go, though he was sure it would rain cats
and dogs.

I know Sir John will go, though he was sure it would rain cats
and dogs.