John Gay

When rogues like these (a sparrow cries)
To honours and employments rise,
I court no favor, ask read more

When rogues like these (a sparrow cries)
To honours and employments rise,
I court no favor, ask no place,
For such preferment is disgrace.

How bless'd, how envied, were our life,
Could we but scape the poulterer's knife!
But man, curs'd read more

How bless'd, how envied, were our life,
Could we but scape the poulterer's knife!
But man, curs'd man, on Turkeys preys,
And Christmas shortens all our days:
Sometimes with oysters we combine,
Sometimes assist the savory chine;
From the low peasant to the lord,
The Turkey smokes on every board.

Impartially their talents scan,
Just education forms the man.
- John Gay,

Impartially their talents scan,
Just education forms the man.
- John Gay,

With thee conversing I forget the way.

With thee conversing I forget the way.

Lash'd into Latin by the tingling rod.

Lash'd into Latin by the tingling rod.