"Gipsies, who every ill can cure, Except the ill of being poor Who charms 'gainst love and agues sell, Who can in hen-roost set a spell, Prepar'd by arts, to them best known To catch all feet except their own, Who, as to fortune, can unlock it, As easily as pick a pocket."

7 likes

Source: Charles Churchill, “The Ghost - Book I”

About the author

Charles Churchill

Poet, Playwright

Charles Churchill was an English poet known for his satirical works that critiqued society and politics, particularly in 'The Rosciad'.

All quotes by Charles Churchill →

Same author

More quotes by Charles Churchill

See all →
Charles Churchill Poet, Playwright

"No two on earth in all things can agree; All have some darling singularity; Women and men, as well as girls and boys, In gewgaws take delight, and sigh for toys, Your sceptres and your crowns, and such like things, Are but a better kind of toys for kings. In things indifferent reason bids us choose, Whether the whim's a monkey or a muse."

Read quote
Charles Churchill Poet, Playwright

"England a fortune-telling host, As num'rous as the stars, could boast; Matrons, who toss the cup, and see The grounds of Fate in grounds of tea."

Read quote
Charles Churchill Poet, Playwright

"When satire flies abroad on falsehood's wing, Short is her life, and impotent her sting; But when to truth allied, the wound she gives Sinks deep, and to remotest ages lives."

Read quote