Samuel Butler

And wisely tell what hour o' th' day
The clock does strike by Algebra.

And wisely tell what hour o' th' day
The clock does strike by Algebra.

What makes all doctrines plain and clear?--
About two hundred pounds a year.
And that which was read more

What makes all doctrines plain and clear?--
About two hundred pounds a year.
And that which was prov'd true before
Prove false again? Two hundred more.

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is read more

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is no fowl,
And that a Lord may be an owl,
A calf an Alderman, a goose a Justice,
And rooks, Committee-men or Trustees.

Still amorous, and fond, and billing,
Like Philip and Mary, on a shilling.

Still amorous, and fond, and billing,
Like Philip and Mary, on a shilling.

His fear was greater than his haste:
For fear, though fleeter than the wind,
Believes 'tis always read more

His fear was greater than his haste:
For fear, though fleeter than the wind,
Believes 'tis always left behind.