It was many and many a year ago,
In a District styled E.C.,
That a monster dwelt read more

It was many and many a year ago,
In a District styled E.C.,
That a monster dwelt whom I cam to know
By the name of Cannibal Flea,
And the brute was possessed with no other thought
Than to live--and to live on me.

So, naturalists observe, a flea
Has smaller fleas that on him prey;
And these have smaller still read more

So, naturalists observe, a flea
Has smaller fleas that on him prey;
And these have smaller still to bite 'em,
And so proceed ad infinitum.
Thus every poet in his kind
Is bit by him that comes behind.

Panurge had a flea in his ear.
[Fr., Panurge auoyt la pulee en l' oreille.]

Panurge had a flea in his ear.
[Fr., Panurge auoyt la pulee en l' oreille.]

A blockhead, bit by fleas, put out the light,
And chuckling cried, "Now you can't see to bite."

A blockhead, bit by fleas, put out the light,
And chuckling cried, "Now you can't see to bite."

I do honour the very flea of his dog.

I do honour the very flea of his dog.

Then mimick'd my voice with satyrical sneer,
And sent me away with a Flea in my ear.

Then mimick'd my voice with satyrical sneer,
And sent me away with a Flea in my ear.

"I cannot raise my worth too high;
Of what vast consequence am I!"
"Not of the importance read more

"I cannot raise my worth too high;
Of what vast consequence am I!"
"Not of the importance you suppose,"
Replies a Flea upon his nose;
"Be humble, learn thyself to scan;
Know, pride was never made for man."