Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE DEAN OF ST. PATRICK'S (2), by THOMAS SHERIDAN (1687-1738)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE DEAN OF ST. PATRICK'S (2), by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Since your poetic prancer is turned into cancer
Last Line: Little did she know, I was ambidexter.
Subject(s): Swift, Jonathan (1667-1745)


i
Since your poetic prancer is turned into Cancer,
I tell you at once, sir, I'm now not your man, sir;
For pray, sir, what pleasure in fighting is found
With a coward who studies to traverse his ground?
When I drew forth my pen, with your pen you ran back,
But I found out the way to your den by its track.
From thence the black monster I drew, o' my conscience,
And so brought to light what before was stark nonsense.
When I with my right hand did stoutly pursue,
You turned to your left, and you writ like a Jew;
Which, good Mister Dean, I cannot think so fair;
Therefore, turn about to the right as you were;
Then if with true courage your ground you maintain,
My fame is immortal when Jonathan's slain,
Who's greater by far than great Alexander,
As much as a teal surpasses a gander,
As much as a game-cock's excelled by a sparrow,
As much as a coach is below a wheelbarrow,
As much and much more as the most handsome man
Of all the whole world is exceeded by Dan.
This was written with that hand which in others is
commonly called the left hand.

ii

Oft have I been by poets told
That, poor Jonathan, thou grows old.
Alas, thy number[s] falling all,
Poor Jonathan, how they do fall!
Thy rhymes, which whilom made thy pride swell,
Now jingle like a rusty bridle;
Thy verse, which ran both smooth and sweet,
Now limp upon their gouty feet;
Thy thoughts, which were the true sublime,
Are humbled by the tyrant Time.
Alas! What cannot Time subdue?
Time has reduced my wine and you,
Emptied my casks and clipped your wings,
Disabled both in our main springs,
So that of late we two are grown
The jest and scorn of all the town.
But yet, if my advice be ta'en,
We two may be as great again:
I'll send you wings, and send me wine;
Then you will fly, and I shall shine.
This was written with my right hand, at the same time with the
other.

iii

How does Melpy like this? I think I have vexed her;
Little did she know, I was ambidexter.





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