Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TWELVE ARTICLES, by JONATHAN SWIFT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TWELVE ARTICLES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lest it may more quarrels breed
Last Line: And continue special friends.
Subject(s): Friendship; Human Behavior; Conduct Of Life; Human Nature


1. Lest it may more quarrels breed
I will never hear you read.

2. By disputing I will never
To convince you, once endeavour.

3. When a paradox you stick to,
I will never contradict you.

4. When I talk, and you are heedless,
I will show no anger needless.

5. When your speeches are absurd,
I will ne'er object one word.

6. When you furious argue wrong,
I will grieve, and hold my tongue.

7. Not a jest, or humorous story,
Will I ever tell before ye:
To be chidden for explaining
When you quite mistake the meaning.

8. Never more will I suppose
You can taste my verse or prose:

9. You no more at me shall fret,
While I teach, and you forget;

10. You shall never hear me thunder,
When you blunder on, and blunder.

11. Show your poverty of spirit,
And in dress place all your merit;
Give yourself ten thousand airs
That with me shall break no squares.

12. Never will I give advice
Till you please to ask me thrice;
Which, if you in scorn reject,
'Twill be just as I expect.
Thus we both shall have our ends,
And continue special friends.





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