The Complete Poetical Works of William Colins, Thomas Gray and Oliver Goldsmith (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1860 Excerpt: ... LYRICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS. TO AN IMPERTINENT MUSICIAN. EXTEMPORE. Our herald hath proclaimed this saying: "See iEsop dancing,"--and his monkey playing THE CLOWN'S REPLY. John Trott was desired by two witty peers To tell them the reason why asses had ears: "An't please you," quoth John, "I'm not given to letters, Nor dare I pretend to know more than my betters; Howe'er, from this time I shall ne'er see your graces, As I hope to be saved without thinking on asses." EPIGRAM ON A BEAUTIFUL YOUTH STRUCK BLIND BY LIGHTNING. Sure 't was by Providence designed, Rather in pity than in hate, That he should be, like Cupid, blind, To save him from Narcissus' fate. THE GIFT. TO IRIS, IN BOW-STREET, CO VENT-GARDEN. Say, cruel Iris, pretty rake, Dear mercenary beauty, What annual offering shall I make Expressive of my duty? My heart, a victim to thine eyes, Should I at once deliver--Say, would the angry fair-one prize The gift, who slights the giver? A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy, My rivals give--and let them: If gems or gold impart a joy, I '11 give them--when I get them. I'll give--but not the full-blown rose, Or rosebud more in fashion; Such short-lived offerings but disclose A transitory passion. I '11 give thee something yet unpaid, Not less sincere than civil: I '11 give thee--ah too charming maid, I '11 give thee--to the devil THE LOGICIANS REFUTED. IN IMITATION OF DEAN SWIFT. Logicians have but ill-defined As rational the human mind j Reason, they say, belongs to man--But let them prove it if they can. Wise Aristotle and Smiglecius, By ratiocinations specious, Have strove to prove with great precision, With definition and division, Homo est ratione prceditum--But for my soul I cannot credit 'em: And must in spite of them maintain That man and all his ways are ...