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The Accounte of W. Canynges Feast

by Thomas Chatterton 1752–1770

From The Rowley Poems (ed. Tyrwhitt, 1778)

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Thorowe the halle the belle han sounde;
Byelecoyle doe the Grave beseeme;
The ealdermenne doe sytte arounde,
Ande snoffelle oppe the cheorte steeme.
Lyche asses wylde ynne desarte waste
Swotelye the morneynge ayre doe taste,

Syke keene theie ate; the minstrels plaie,
The dynne of angelles doe theie keepe;
Heie stylle the guestes ha ne to saie,
Butte nodde yer thankes ande falle aslape.
Thus echone daie bee I to deene,
Gyf Rowley, Iscamm, or Tyb. Gorges be ne seene.

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A short comic sketch of the aldermen at table at William Canynge's feast, eating with the appetite of wild asses.

MLA

Chatterton, Thomas. “The Accounte of W. Canynges Feast.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/chatterton/20/.

Chicago

Chatterton, Thomas. “The Accounte of W. Canynges Feast.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/chatterton/20/.

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