John Gay (1685–1732)

    Two formal owls together sat,

    Conferring thus in solemn chat:

    ’How is the modern taste decayed!

    Where’s the respect to wisdom paid?

    Our worth the Grecian sages knew;

    They gave our sires the honour due;

    They weighed the dignity of fowls,

    And pried into the depth of owls.

    Athens, the seat of learned fame,

    With general voice revered our name;

    On merit, title was conferred,

    And all adored the Athenian bird.’

        ’Brother, you reason well,’ replies

    The solemn mate, with half-shut eyes;

    ’Right. Athens was the seat of learning,

    And truly wisdom is discerning.

    Besides, on Pallas’ helm we sit,

    The type and ornament of wit:

    But now, alas! we’re quite neglected,

    And a pert sparrow’s more respected.’

          A sparrow, who was lodged beside,

    O’erhears them soothe each other’s pride,

    And thus he nimbly vents his heat:

          ’Who meets a fool must find conceit.

    I grant, you were at Athens graced,

    And on Minerva’s helm were placed;

    But every bird that wings the sky,

    Except an owl, can tell you why.

    From hence they taught their schools to know

    How false we judge by outward show;

    That we should never looks esteem,

    Since fools as wise as you might seem.

    Would ye contempt and scorn avoid,

    Let your vain-glory be destroyed:

    Humble your arrogance of thought,

    Pursue the ways by Nature taught;

    So shall you find delicious fare,

    And grateful farmers praise your care:

    So shall sleek mice your chase reward,

    And no keen cat find more regard.’