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.’