Another (Epigram On The Busts)

by Jonathan Swift — a poem card from Justes Mots

A sardonic quatrain contrasting King Louis's patronage of learning with Queen Anne's miserly commemoration of busts instead of living scholars. Swift's biting wit criticizes both royal economics and the vanity of monuments. It exemplifies his sharp political satire and appeals to those who enjoy intellectual humor.

Louis the living learned fed,
And raised the scientific head;
Our frugal queen, to save her meat,
Exalts the heads that cannot eat.…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection