an oyster cast upon the shore
was heard, though never heard before,
complaining in a speech well worded,
and worthy thus to be recorded:
"ah, hapless wretch comdemn'd to dwell
forever in my native shell,
ordain'd to move when others please,
not for my own content or ease,
but toss'd and buffeted about,
now in the water, and now out.
'twere better to be born a stone
of ruder shape and feeling none,
than with a tenderness like mine,
and sensibilities so fine!
i envy that unfeeling shrub,
fast rooted against every rub."
the plant he meant grew not far off,
and felt the sneer with scorn enough;
was hurt, disgusted, mortified,
and with asperity replied.
("when," cry the botanists, and stare,
"did plants call'd sensitive grow there?"
no matter when—a poet's muse is
to make them grow just where she chooses):
"you shapeless nothing in a dish,
you that are but almost a fish,
i scorn your coarse insinuation,
and have most plentiful occasion
to wish myself the rock i view,
or such another dolt as you.
for many a grave and learned clerk,
and many a gay unlettered spark,
with curious touch examines me
if i can feel as well as he;
and when i bend, retire, and shrink,
says, 'well—'tis more than one would think.'
thus life is spent! oh fie upon't,
in being touched, and crying—'don't'!"
a poet, in his evening walk,
overheard and checked this idle talk.
"and your fine sense," he said, "and yours,
whatever evil it endures,
deserves not, if so soon offended,
much to be pitied or commended.
disputes, though short, are far too long,
where both alike are in the wrong;
your feelings in their full amount
are all upon your own account."
"you, in your grotto-work enclosed,
complain of being thus exposed,
yet nothing feel in that rough coat,
save when the knife is at your throat.
wherever driven by wind or tide,
exempt from every ill beside."
"and as for you, my lady squeamish,
who reckon every touch a blemish,
if all the plants that can be found
embellishing the scene around,
should droop and wither where they grow,
you would not feel at all, not you.
the noblest minds their virtue prove
by pity, sympathy, and love:
these, these are feelings truly fine,
and prove their owner half divine."
his censure reached them as he dealt it.
and each by shrinking show'd he felt it.
william cowper
