Social Commentaries
IV.9 The Two Bags
Translated by Christopher Smart (1887 printing) · From Fables, Book IV
Social Commentaries
Great Jove, in his paternal care,
Has giv'n a man two Bags to bear;
That which his own default contains
Behind his back unseen remains;
But that which others' vice attests
Swags full in view before our breasts.
Hence we're inevitably blind,
Relating to the Bag behind;
But when our neighbours misdemean,
Our censures are exceeding keen.
Cite this poem
MLA
Phaedrus. “IV.9 The Two Bags.” Translated by Christopher Smart. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/phaedrus/68/.
Chicago
Phaedrus. “IV.9 The Two Bags.” Translated by Christopher Smart. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/phaedrus/68/.
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