Songs Controversial By Silent Long [i.e. T. T. Lynch] |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. | X.
DEAD THINGS BEST. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
 | Songs Controversial |  |
X. DEAD THINGS BEST.
Why at the “spirit” and the “scope”
Should boggling poets stick?
Each text was given as a rope
To hang a heretic:
The Scripture is for ever fixt
Like corpse upon a table,
How rightly to dissect the Word
Would doctors else be able?
Should boggling poets stick?
Each text was given as a rope
To hang a heretic:
The Scripture is for ever fixt
Like corpse upon a table,
How rightly to dissect the Word
Would doctors else be able?
The “spirit” is a dangerous power,
Far safer is the “letter;”
A living lion might devour,
A dead one is much better:
Come, “cut him up” and peep—but oh!
Suppose you were detected?
If suddenly from sleep he springs,
Perhaps you'll be dissected.
Far safer is the “letter;”
A living lion might devour,
A dead one is much better:
Come, “cut him up” and peep—but oh!
Suppose you were detected?
If suddenly from sleep he springs,
Perhaps you'll be dissected.
Oh why will man still crave for life,
Howe'er we warn and chide him,
Why want a living steed although
Such trouble 'tis to ride him:
Why should we ride till we are sore,
On miry ways and sandy,
A rocking-horse on parlour floor
Is far more clean and handy?
Howe'er we warn and chide him,
Why want a living steed although
Such trouble 'tis to ride him:
Why should we ride till we are sore,
On miry ways and sandy,
A rocking-horse on parlour floor
Is far more clean and handy?
| Songs Controversial | |