by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A political-satirical epigram (after Logau) wishing John the Baptist would return to behead Ireland’s ‘viperous race’, alluding to the 1798 rebellion.
Connections
Motifs: Serpent Snake Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire Historical References: Irish Question, Bible
Testo integrale / Full text
O would the Baptist come again
And preach aloud with might and main
Repentance to our viperous race!
But should this miracle take place,
I hope, ere Irish ground he treads,
He’ll lay in a good stock of heads!
First published in An. Anth., 1800. First collected P. and D. W.,
1877, ii. 162. Adapted from Friedrich von Logau’s Sinngedicht,
Johannes der Täufer, Lessing’s edition, Bk. I, No. 30: —
‘Nicht recht! nicht recht! würd’ immer schrein
Johannes, sollt’ er wieder sein.
Doch käm er, riet’ ich, dass er dächte,
Wie viel er Köpf’ in Vorrat brächte.’