"What it 't to us, if taxes rise or fall, Thanks to our fortune, we pay none at all. Let muckworms who in dirty acres deal, Lament those hardships which we cannot feel, His grace who smarts, may bellow if he please, But must I bellow too, who sit at ease? By custom safe, the poets' numbers flow, Free as the light and air some years ago. No statesman e'er will find it worth his pains To tax our labours, and excise our brains. Burthens like these with earthly buildings bear, No tributes laid on castles in the air."

7 likes

Source: Charles Churchill (1866). “Poetical Works: With a Memoir by James L. Hannay and Copious Notes by W. Tooke”, p.89

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