| James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902. | | | | December 13 | | On Dr. Johnson | | By John Wolcot (1738–1819) |
| | | | Dr. Samuel Johnson, the famous English lexicographer, poet and essayist, died Dec. 13, 1784. |
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I OWN I like not Johnson’s turgid style, | |
| That gives an inch the importance of a mile; | |
| Casts of manure a wagon-load around | |
| To raise a simple daisy from the ground; | |
| Uplifts the club of Hercules—for what? | 5 |
| To crush a butterfly, or brain a gnat! | |
| Creates a whirlwind, from the earth to draw | |
| A goose’s feather, or exalt a straw; | |
| Sets wheels on wheels in motion—such a clatter!— | |
| To force up one poor nipperkin of water; | 10 |
| Bids ocean labor with tremendous roar | |
| To heave a cockle-shell upon the shore: | |
| Alike in every theme his pompous art— | |
| Heaven’s awful thunder or a rumbling cart! | | | |
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