by Keats · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A comic-satiric sonnet recalling Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel, applied mockingly to a motley crew of contemporaries; biblical satire, kingship and prophecy.
Connections
Archetypes: King, Prophet Motifs: Dreams, Animals Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Madness Forms & Genres: Sonnet, Satire Historical References: Bible
Testo integrale / Full text
Before he went to feed with owls and bats
Nebuchadnezzar had an ugly dream,
Worse than an hus’if s when she thinks her cream
Made a naumachia for mice and rats.
So scared, he sent for that ‘Good King of Cats’
Young Daniel, who soon did pluck away the beam
From out his eye, and said he did not deem
The sceptre worth a straw - his cushions old door-mats.
A horrid nightmare similar somewhat
Of late has haunted a most motley crew,
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Most loggerheads and chapmen - we are told
That any Daniel tho’ he be a sot
Can make the lying lips turn pale of hue
By belching out ‘ye are that head of gold.’