Words learn'd by rote a parrot may rehearse,
But talking is not always to converse,
Not more read more

Words learn'd by rote a parrot may rehearse,
But talking is not always to converse,
Not more distinct from harmony divine
The constant creaking of a country sign.

Talk to him of Jacob's ladder, and he would ask the number of the
steps.

Talk to him of Jacob's ladder, and he would ask the number of the
steps.

Oft has it been my lot to mark
A proud, conceited, talking spark.

Oft has it been my lot to mark
A proud, conceited, talking spark.

I prithee take the cork out of thy mouth, that I may drink thy
tidings.

I prithee take the cork out of thy mouth, that I may drink thy
tidings.

His talk was like a stream which runs
With rapid change from rock to roses;
It slipped read more

His talk was like a stream which runs
With rapid change from rock to roses;
It slipped from politics to puns;
It passed from Mahomet to Moses;
Beginning with the laws that keep
The planets in the radiant courses,
And ending with some precept deep
For dressing eels or shoeing horses.

Whose talk is of bullocks.

Whose talk is of bullocks.

In general those who nothing have to say
Contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.

In general those who nothing have to say
Contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.

It would talk;
Lord, how it talked!

It would talk;
Lord, how it talked!

But still his tongue ran on, the less
Of weight it bore, with greater ease.

But still his tongue ran on, the less
Of weight it bore, with greater ease.