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Poem
March 25, 1806
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A didactic poem cautioning against inappropriate laughter, especially mocking others in company, which can cause offense and lead to retaliation. It recommends laughing judiciously, never at friends or foes.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Miscellaneous Repository
For the Gazette
THE LAUGH
To laugh at something, sometimes please,
To laugh at nothing always teaze;
To laugh in company, gives offence,
And news in cause, the want of sense;
Some do laugh, when ignorance squeak
Their words out, or in their usual manner speak,--
To which, I fain would ask, --to try.
To cease from laughing. when in company,
For if on you, the laugh should turn,
Thy blush betrays; thy wounded bosom burn.
Laughing is what we all recommend
At times, but never pointed at a friend,
Or foe; for fear they parry off the blow
And drive the candle, where it ought to go.
For the Gazette
THE LAUGH
To laugh at something, sometimes please,
To laugh at nothing always teaze;
To laugh in company, gives offence,
And news in cause, the want of sense;
Some do laugh, when ignorance squeak
Their words out, or in their usual manner speak,--
To which, I fain would ask, --to try.
To cease from laughing. when in company,
For if on you, the laugh should turn,
Thy blush betrays; thy wounded bosom burn.
Laughing is what we all recommend
At times, but never pointed at a friend,
Or foe; for fear they parry off the blow
And drive the candle, where it ought to go.
What sub-type of article is it?
Epigram
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Satire Society
What keywords are associated?
Laughing
Mockery
Social Offence
Moral Advice
Company Etiquette
Poem Details
Title
The Laugh
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
To Laugh At Something, Sometimes Please,
To Laugh At Nothing Always Teaze;
To Laugh In Company, Gives Offence,
And News In Cause, The Want Of Sense;
Laughing Is What We All Recommend
At Times, But Never Pointed At A Friend,
Or Foe; For Fear They Parry Off The Blow
And Drive The Candle, Where It Ought To Go.