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1844–1912

BALLADE OF THE PRIMITIVE JEST

Andrew Lang

I am an ancient Jest! Palaeolithic man In his arboreal nest The sparks of fun would fan;

My outline did he plan, And laughed like one possessed, ‘ Twas thus my course began, I am a Merry Jest!

I am an early Jest! Man delved, and built, and span; Then wandered South and West The peoples Aryan,

I journeyed in their van; The Semites, too, confessed, - From Beersheba to Dan, - I am a Merry Jest!

I am an ancient Jest, Through all the human clan, Red, black, white, free, oppressed, Hilarious I ran!

I'm found in Lucian, In Poggio, and the rest, I'm dear to Moll and Nan! I am a Merry Jest!

Prince, you may storm and ban - Joe Millers ARE a pest, Suppress me if you can! I am a Merry Jest!

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BALLADE OF THE PRIMITIVE JEST · Andrew Lang · Poetry Cove