John Gay ( 10 of 59 )
Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.
Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.
Now Cynthia, named fair regent of the night.
Now Cynthia, named fair regent of the night.
By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.
By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.
Life is a jest; and all things show it.
I thought so once; but now I know it.
Life is a jest; and all things show it.
I thought so once; but now I know it.
Of all the fools that pride can boast,
A Coxcomb claims distinction most.
Of all the fools that pride can boast,
A Coxcomb claims distinction most.
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.
From wine what sudden friendship springs?
From wine what sudden friendship springs?
A lost good name is ne'er retriev'd.
A lost good name is ne'er retriev'd.
The careful insect 'midst his works I view,
Now from the flowers exhaust the fragrant dew,
With read more
The careful insect 'midst his works I view,
Now from the flowers exhaust the fragrant dew,
With golden treasures load his little thighs,
And steer his distant journey through the skies.
