Skip to content
1667–1745

A QUIBBLING EPIGRAM. 1730

Jonathan Swift

The thresher Duckcould o'er the queen prevail, The proverb says, “no fence against a flail.” From threshing corn he turns to thresh his brains; For which her majesty allows him grains:

Though‘ tis confest, that those, who ever saw His poems, think them all not worth a straw! Thrice happy Duck, employ'd in threshing stubble, Thy toil is lessen'd, and thy profits double.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
A QUIBBLING EPIGRAM. 1730 · Jonathan Swift · Poetry Cove