by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
An epigram on the ease of imitating vice and folly versus the difficulty of imitating wisdom, satirizing the gaming and drinking of would-be Foxes and Pitts.
Connections
Motifs: Wine and Drink Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Temptation Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire
Testo integrale / Full text
All are not born to soar — and ah! how few
In tracks where Wisdom leads their paths pursue!
Contagious when to wit or wealth allied,
Folly and Vice diffuse their venom wide.
On Folly every fool his talent tries; 5
It asks some toil to imitate the wise;
Tho’ few like Fox can speak — like Pitt can think —
Yet all like Fox can game — like Pitt can drink.
? 1791