by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A satirical epigram (after Lessing) implying a child’s illegitimacy, since the mother will not teach the infant to call him ‘father.‘
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Marriage and Fidelity, Deception, Satire of Society Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire
Testo integrale / Full text
Thy babes ne’er greet thee with the father’s name;
‘My Lud!’ they lisp. Now whence can this arise?
Perhaps their mother feels an honest shame
And will not teach her infant to tell lies.
First published in An. Anth., 1800, included in Essays, &c., ii.
997. First collected P. and D. W., 1877, ii. 164. Adapted from
Lessing’s Sinngedicht No. 17. An den Doktor Sp * *. ‘Dein Söhnchen
lässt dich nie den Namen Vater hören.’