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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PROFESSION OF FLATTERY by ANTIPHANES

First Line: CONSIDER, THEN, THE FLATTERER'S PROFESSION
Last Line: SECOND TO NONE, SAY I, UNLESS YOU'RE RICH.
Subject(s): FLATTERY;

CONSIDER, then, the flatterer's profession:
There is no jollier trade, nor like to be,
No easier money, -- if you have the flair.
Your artists are laborious, touchy folk;
Your farmers never safe from speculation;
Everywhere it's the same, -- care and hard work!
Ours is a merry, comfortable life;
There's nothing to it, all the work is play, --
A hearty laugh, a jibe or two, long drinks, --
Second to none, say I, unless you're rich.



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