Escritas

Poems List

From the lone shieling of the misty island

Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas—

2

Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.

My Own Epitaph

1

Man may escape from rope and gun; Nay, some have outliv’d the doctor’s pill: Who takes a woman must be undone, That basilisk is sure to kill. The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets, So he that tastes woman, woman, woman, He that tastes woman, ruin meets.

The Beggar’s Opera, II, viii, air 26

1

Youth’s the season made for joys, Love is then our duty.

The Beggar’s Opera, II, iv, air 22

From wine what sudden friendship springs!

Fables, II [1738]. The Squire and His Cur

1

If with me you’d fondly stray. Over the hills and far away. 2

The Beggar’s Opera [1728], act I, sc. xiii, air 16

And when a lady’s in the case, You know all other things give place.

Fables, I. The Hare and Many Friends

I hate the man who builds his name On ruins of another’s fame.

Fables, I. The Poet and the Rose

Those who in quarrels interpose Must often wipe a bloody nose.

Fables, I. The Mastiffs

In every age and clime we see Two of a trade can never agree.

Fables, I. The Rat-catcher and Cats

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John Gay was born in Barnstaple, Devonshire. He was educated at Bideford Grammar School. After a period as an apprentice silk merchant, Gay turned to writing. His first significant publication was the poem 'Rural Sports' in 1713. He gained considerable fame with 'The Beggar's Opera' in 1728, a scathing satire of Britain's political and social system, which also popularized the ballad. Other important works include 'Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London' and the farce 'The Rehearsal at Gotham'. Despite his success, Gay frequently struggled with financial difficulties. He died on December 4, 1732, in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.