by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A satirical epigram (after Lessing) on ‘Informator’, a habitual liar known to lie merely by opening his mouth.
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Deception, Satire of Society, Truth Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire
Testo integrale / Full text
As Dick and I at Charing Cross were walking,
Whom should we see on t’other side pass by
But Informator with a stranger talking,
So I exclaim’d, ‘Lord, what a lie!’
Quoth Dick—’What, can you hear him?’
‘Hear him! stuff!
I saw him open his mouth — an’t that enough?’
First published in An. Anth., 1800. First collected P. and D. W.,
ii. 163. Adapted from Lessing’s Sinngedicht No. 142. Auf den Ley.
‘Der gute Mann, den Ley beiseite dort gezogen!’