528. Answer to an Invitation to Dine at Fishmongers Hall by Sydney Smith

S Smith read by Classic Poetry Aloud:
http://www.classicpoetryaloud.com/

Giving voice to the poetry of the past.

---------------------------------------

Answer to an Invitation to Dine at Fishmongers Hall
by Sydney Smith (1771 – 1845)

Much do I love, at civic treat,
The monsters of the deep to eat;
To see the rosy salmon lying,
By smelts encircled, born for frying;
And from the china boat to pour,
On flaky cod, the flavour'd shower.
Thee, above all, I much regard,
Flatter than Longman's flattest bard,
Much honour'd turbot! sore I grieve
Thee and thy dainty friends to leave.
Far from ye all, in snuggest corner,
I go to dine with little Horner:
He who, with philosophic eye,
Sat brooding o'er his Christmas pie:
Then, firm resolv'd, with either thumb,
Tore forth the crust-envelop'd plum,
And, mad with youthful dreams of future fame,
Proclaim'd the deathless glories of his name.


First aired: 23 December 2009

For hundreds more poetry readings, visit the Classic Poetry Aloud index.

To learn a little more about the poems and poets on Classic Poetry Aloud, join the mailing list.

Reading © Classic Poetry Aloud 2009