Samuel Butler

He made an instrument to know
If the moon shine at full or no;
That would, as read more

He made an instrument to know
If the moon shine at full or no;
That would, as soon as e'er she shone straight,
Whether 'twere day or night demonstrate;
Tell what her d'ameter to an inch is,
And prove that she's not made of green cheese.

I've heard old cunning stagers
Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

I've heard old cunning stagers
Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

Whatever I can say or do.
I'm sure not much avails;
I shall still Vicar be of read more

Whatever I can say or do.
I'm sure not much avails;
I shall still Vicar be of Bray,
Whichever side prevails.

Like men condemned to thunderbolts,
Who, ere the blow, become mere dolts.

Like men condemned to thunderbolts,
Who, ere the blow, become mere dolts.