Jonathan Swift Poems

A Nymph and swain, Sheelah and Dermot hight;
Who wont to weed the court of Gosford knight;
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The rod was but a harmless wand,
While Moses held it in his hand;
But, soon as e'er he laid it down,
Twas a devouring serpent grown.
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We are little airy creatures,
All of different voice and features;
One of us in glass is set,
One of us you'll find in jet.
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Atlas, we read in ancient song,
Was so exceeding tall and strong,
He bore the skies upon his back,
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Observe the dying father speak:
Try, lads, can you this bundle break?
Then bids the youngest of the six
Take up a well-bound heap of sticks.
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From Heaven I fall, though from earth I begin,
No lady alive can show such a skin.
I'm bright as an angel, and light as a feather,
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Because I am by nature blind,
I wisely choose to walk behind;
However, to avoid disgrace,
I let no creature see my face.
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While, Stella, to your lasting praise
The Muse her annual tribute pays,
While I assign myself a task
Which you expect, but scorn to ask;
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We both are mortal; but thou, frailer creature,
May'st die, like me, by chance, but not by nature.
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Come hither, and behold the fruits,
Vain man! of all thy vain pursuits.
Take wise advice, and look behind,
Bring all past actions to thy mind.
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