Classic and Contemporary Poetry
EPIGRAM, by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It happen'd lately at a fair, or wake Last Line: If I had had but any brains at all. Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, William Of Tavistock Subject(s): Fights | ||||||||
IT happen'd lately at a fair, or wake, After a pot or two or such mistake, Two iron-soled clowns, and bacon-sided,Grumbled: then left the forms which they bestrided, And with their crab-tree cudgels, as appears, Thresh'd, as they use, at one another's ears: A neighbour near both to their house and drink, Who, though he slept at sermons, could not wink At this dissension, with a spirit bold As was the ale that arm'd them, strong and old, Stepp'd in and parted them; but Fortune's frown Was such that there our neighbour was knock'd down. For they, to recompense his pains at full, Since he had broke their quarrel, broke his skull. People came in, and rais'd him from his swound; A chirurgeon then was call'd to search the wound, Who, op'ning it, more to endear his pains, Cried out, Alas! look, you may see his brains. Nay, quoth the wounded man, I tell you free, Good Mr. Surgeon, that can never be; For I should ne'er have meddled with this brawl If I had had but any brains at all. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE COLOR SERGEANT by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE TEMPTRESS by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE YOUNG WARRIOR by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON WOMEN THEY COULD KILL FOR by PETER JOHNSON ANSELM KIEFER by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER THE BOYS, THE BROOM HANDLE, AND THE RETARDED GIRL by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER BATTLE-CRIES by LOUIS UNTERMEYER ROAST LEVIATHAN by LOUIS UNTERMEYER EPITAPH: IN OBITUM M.S. XO MAIJ, 1614 by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) |
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