Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)

AMAZED, confused, its fate unknown,

The world stood trembling at Jove’s throne;

While each pale sinner hung his head,

Jove nodding shook the heavens, and said;

“Offending race of human kind,

By nature, reason, learning, blind;

You who through frailty stepped aside,

And you who never erred through pride;

You who in different sects were shammed,

And come to see each other damned;

(So some folks told you, but they knew

No more of Jove’s designs than you.)

The world’s mad business now is o’er,

And I resent your freaks no more;

I to such blockheads set my wit,

I damn such fools—go, go, you’re bit!”