by Keats · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A light parody of Wordsworth describing Oxford’s Gothic decay, bishops, deer and gluttonous parsons; comic satire of place and clerical society.
Connections
Motifs: Ruins the Abbey, Bells, Food and Feasting Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society Forms & Genres: Parody, Satire Settings: Oxford
Testo integrale / Full text
I
The Gothic looks solemn,
The plain Doric column
Supports an old Bishop and Crosier;
The mouldering arch,
Shaded o’er by a larch
Stands next door to Wilson the Hosier.
II
Vicè - that is, by turns, -
O’er pale faces mourns
The black tassell’d trencher and common hat
The Chantry boy sings,
The Steeple-bell rings,
And as for the Chancellor - dominat.
III
There are plenty of trees,
And plenty of ease,
And plenty of fat deer for parsons:
And when it is venison,
Short is the benison, -
Then each on a leg or thigh fastens.