To a Goose

Lyrics

If thou didst feed on western plains of yore; Or waddle wide with flat and flabby feet Over some Cambrian mountain's plashy moor; Or find in farmer's yard a safe retreat From gipsy thieves, and foxes sly and fleet; If thy grey quills, by lawyer guided, trace Deeds big with ruin to some wretched race Or love-sick poet's sonnet, sad and sweet Wailing the rigour of his lady fair; Or if, the drudge of housemaid's daily toil Cobwebs and dust thy pinions white besoil Departed Goose! I neither know nor care But this I know, that thou wert very fine Season'd with sage and onions, and port wine