Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON SENDING MY SON AS A PRESENT TO DR. SWIFT, by MARY BARBER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON SENDING MY SON AS A PRESENT TO DR. SWIFT, by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: A curious statue, we are told
Last Line: A meaner were unworthy swift
Subject(s): Swift, Jonathan (1667-1745); Gifts & Giving; Birthdays; Sons


A curious statue, we are told,
Is priz'd above its weight in gold;
If the fair form the hand confess
Of Phidias, or Praxiteles:
But if the artist could inspire
The smallest spark of heavenly fire,
Though but enough to make it walk,
Salute the company, or talk,
This would advance the prize so high,
What prince were rich enough to buy?
Such if Hibernia could obtain,
She sure would give it to the Dean:
So to her patriot should she pay
Her thanks upon his natal day.
A richer present I design,
A finished form, of work divine,
Surpassing all the power of art;
A thinking head, a grateful heart:
A heart that hopes, one day, to show
How much we to the Drapier owe.
Kings could not send a nobler gift,
A meaner were unworthy Swift





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