Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VERBATIM FROM BOILEAU, by NICOLAS BOILEAU-DESPREAUX


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VERBATIM FROM BOILEAU, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Once (says an author; where, I need not say)
Last Line: Twas a fat oyster -- live in peace -- adieu.
Alternate Author Name(s): Boileau, Nicolas
Subject(s): Justice; Politics & Government


Un jour, dit un Auteur, &c. EPISTLE II

Once (says an Author, where, I need not say)
Two Trav'lers found an Oyster in their Way;
Both fierce, both hungry, the Dispute grew strong,
While, Scale in Hand, Dame Justice past along.
Before her each with Clamour pleads the Laws,
Explain'd the Matter, and would win the Cause;
Dame Justice, weighing long the doubtful Right,
Takes, opens, swallows it, before their Sight.
The Cause of Strife remov'd so rarely well,
There, take (says Justice) take ye each a Shell.
We thrive at Westminster on Fools like you,
'Twas a fat Oyster -- Live in Peace -- Adieu.





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