by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A political-satirical epigram (after Lessing) in which Pluto and Death spare an ailing minister (‘Billy’/Pitt), mocking ministers and quacks.
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Power and Corruption Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire Settings: Underworld Cave Characters: Death Personified
Testo integrale / Full text
Pluto commanded death to take away
Billy — Death made pretences to obey,
And only made pretences, for he shot
A headless dart that struck nor wounded not.
The ghaunt Economist who (tho’ my grandam
Thinks otherwise) ne’er shoots his darts at random
Mutter’d, ‘What? put my Billy in arrest?
Upon my life that were a pretty jest!
So flat a thing of Death shall ne’er be said or sung —
No! Ministers and Quacks, them take I not so young.’
First, published in Morning Post, Oct. 1, 1799. Now reprinted for the
first time. Adapted from Lessing’s Sinngedicht No. 119. Auf die
Genesung einer Buhlerin. ‘Dem Tode wurde jüngst von Pluto anbefohlen.’