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Fables and Other Poems, by John Gay: With a Biographical Sketch of the Author..

This volume brings together a selection of fables and poems written by the English poet and dramatist John Gay, best known for his work The Beggar's Opera. The book includes a biographical sketch that provides an overview of Gay's life and literary career. The fables, often featuring animal characters, offer moral lessons and social commentary, while the poems showcase Gay's versatility in verse. The collection reflects the literary tastes and didactic traditions of the early 18th century. more

Author

John Gay
John Gay

John Gay, born on June 30, 1685 and died on December 4, 1732, was an outstanding English poet. He is best known for his satirical comedy, 'The Beggar's Opera,' which had a profound impact on the development of musical theater. more

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“Good housewives all the winter's rage despise, Defended by the riding-hood's disguise; Or, underneath the umbrella's oily shade, Safe through the wet on clinking pattens tread, Let Persian dames the unbrella's ribs display, To guard their beauties from the sunny ray; Or sweating slaves support the shady load, When eastern monarchs show their state abroad; Britain in winter only knows its aid, To guard from chilling showers the walking maid.”

“Why is the hearse with scutcheons blazon'd round, And with the nodding plume of ostrich crown'd? No; the dead know it not, nor profit gain; It only serves to prove the living vain.”

“E'en in mid-harvest, while the jocund swain Pluck'd from the brittle stalk the golden grain, Oft have I seen the war of winds contend, And prone on earth th' infuriate storm descend, Waste far and wide, and by the roots uptorn, The heavy harvest sweep through ether borne, As light straw and rapid stubble fly In dark'ning whirlwinds round the wintry sky.”