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Poem
February 3, 1844
The North Carolinian
Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
A satirical poem questioning the true meaning of 'respectability,' arguing it has become superficial, allowing rogues and fools to thrive while ignoring wisdom, honor, or virtue, and emphasizing material trappings like servants and lavish dinners.
Clipping
OCR Quality
75%
Good
Full Text
RESPECTABILITY.
Pray, what do ye mean by 'respectability'
Is't wisdom, or worth, sir? or rank or gentility?
Is it rough sound sense, or a manner refined?
Is it kindness of heart or expansiveness of mind?
Is it learning, science, honor, or fame,
That you mean by that phrase (so expressive) to name?
No, no—these are not, sir, the things now in vogue:
A 'respectable' man, sir, may be a great rogue,
A 'respectable' person may be a great fool,
Have lost even the hate he imbibed up at school.
Be a saint in a pew, or a drone in a hive,
A sultan, an adult, deem drowned in debt,
May load his honor, his best friend forget,
May be a base sycophant, tyrant, or knave,
But a 'livery-servant,' at least, he must have:
In which way vie with the wet nurse's dinners,
But eat—not—know—cognac—venal—dinners.
Pray, what do ye mean by 'respectability'
Is't wisdom, or worth, sir? or rank or gentility?
Is it rough sound sense, or a manner refined?
Is it kindness of heart or expansiveness of mind?
Is it learning, science, honor, or fame,
That you mean by that phrase (so expressive) to name?
No, no—these are not, sir, the things now in vogue:
A 'respectable' man, sir, may be a great rogue,
A 'respectable' person may be a great fool,
Have lost even the hate he imbibed up at school.
Be a saint in a pew, or a drone in a hive,
A sultan, an adult, deem drowned in debt,
May load his honor, his best friend forget,
May be a base sycophant, tyrant, or knave,
But a 'livery-servant,' at least, he must have:
In which way vie with the wet nurse's dinners,
But eat—not—know—cognac—venal—dinners.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Satire Society
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Respectability
Satire
Rogue
Gentility
Social Folly
Moral Critique
Poem Details
Title
Respectability.
Subject
Satire On Respectability
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Pray, What Do Ye Mean By 'Respectability'
A 'Respectable' Man, Sir, May Be A Great Rogue,
But A 'Livery Servant,' At Least, He Must Have: