IN olden times, when -- it is said -- The humblest of the brute creation (Though not in school or college bred) Possessed the art of conversation; The Elephant, as chief High-Priest, Of brutes the proper censor morum, Assembled every bird and beast, And plainly laid their faults before 'em. Some were of vanity accused (Though none by name the priest addresses), And some their talents had abused By indolence or wild excesses; And some were charged with envious minds, And some with foolish ostentation; And not a few the censor finds Convict of wanton depredation. And some, the Elephant declares, Are basely cruel and malicious; Some fail to mind their own affairs; And most, in some respect, are vicious. The faithful Hound, the trusty Horse, The constant Dove, the modest Linnet, The Sermon hear without remorse; Nay, find a deal of pleasure in it! In brief, the best of all the crowd Are charmed to hear the wise prelection; The others frown, or rave aloud, Or hang their heads in deep dejection. The Wolf and Tiger howl in wrath, To hear the parson's faithful chiding; The Serpent hisses in his path; The Worm goes wriggling to his hiding. The Wasp and Hornet buzz their spite; The Monkey mocks with hideous grinning; The Fox goes sneaking out of sight, To wait another chance for sinning. "Ah, well!" the Elephant exclaims, "Though ill enough ye seem to bear it, -- (Remember, I have called no names;) Whom the cap fits, may take and wear it!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 7 by WALT WHITMAN ODES: BOOK 2: ODE 10. TO THOMAS EDWARDS, ON ... POPE'S WORKS by MARK AKENSIDE A MOOD by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE SURF by JURGIS BALTRUSHAITIS THE LADY UNKNOWN by ALEXANDER (ALEKSANDR) ALEXANDROVICH BLOK THE MOURNING MOTHER by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |