THE CLOWN'S REPLY

By Oliver Goldsmith

JOHN TROTT was desired by two witty peers

To tell them the reason why asses had ears?

‘ A n't please you,’ quoth John,‘ I'm not given to letters,

Nor dare I pretend to know more than my betters;

Howe'er, from this time I shall ne'er see your graces,

As I hope to be saved! without thinking on asses.’