by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A satirical epigram (after Lessing) on a red-nosed court alderman and gossip, punning that all his talk is ‘under the rose.‘
Connections
Motifs: Wine and Drink Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Power and Corruption Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire
Testo integrale / Full text
A COURT ALDERMAN AND WHISPERER OF SECRETS
Speak out, Sir! you’re safe, for so ruddy your nose
That, talk where you will, ‘tis all under the Rose.
First published in Morning Post, Dec. 7, 1799. Included in Essays,
&c., iii. 975. First collected Poems, 1907. Compare Lessing’s
Sinngedicht No. 35. Auf eine lange Nase.