If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical read more

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical illusion--well, he will
find out he is wrong. The tiger will himself intervene in the
discussion, in a manner which will be in every sense conclusive.

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing read more

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing common faith, transgressing nature's law.

We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise,
And the door stood open at our feast,
read more

We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise,
And the door stood open at our feast,
When there passed us a woman with the West in her eyes,
And a man with his back to the East.

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
read more

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare,
But wonder how the devil they got there.

Wonders I sing; the sun has set; no night has followed.
[Lat., Mira cano; sol occubuit;
Nox read more

Wonders I sing; the sun has set; no night has followed.
[Lat., Mira cano; sol occubuit;
Nox nulla secuta est.]

There's something in a flying horse,
There's something in a huge balloon.

There's something in a flying horse,
There's something in a huge balloon.

A schoolboy's tale, the wonder of an hour!

A schoolboy's tale, the wonder of an hour!

O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!

O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!

He shall have chariots easier than air,
That I will have invented; . . . And thyself,
read more

He shall have chariots easier than air,
That I will have invented; . . . And thyself,
That art the messenger, shalt ride before him
On a horse cut out of an entire diamond.
That shall be made to go with golden wheels,
I know not how yet.