Stop not, unthinking, every friend you meet
To spin your wordy fabric in the street;
While you read more

Stop not, unthinking, every friend you meet
To spin your wordy fabric in the street;
While you are emptying your colloquial pack,
The fiend Lumbago jumps upon his back.

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.

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.

If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;
I had it from my father.

If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;
I had it from my father.

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.

It would talk;
Lord, how it talked!

It would talk;
Lord, how it talked!

But far more numerous was the herd of such,
Who think too little, and who talk too much.

But far more numerous was the herd of such,
Who think too little, and who talk too much.

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.

He who talks much cannot always talk well.
[It., Chi parla troppo non puo parlar sempre bene.]

He who talks much cannot always talk well.
[It., Chi parla troppo non puo parlar sempre bene.]