On Hearing it Asserted Falsehood by Robert Burns
The speaker denies that the Rev. Dr. Babington's looks express falsehood, arguing that they truthfully reveal him to be a knave.
By Robert Burns · Genre: Epigram, Satirical Poetry · 51 words
First lines
is expressed in the Rev. Dr. Babington's very looks.
That there is a falsehood in his looks, / I must and will deny: / They tell their Master is a knave, / And sure they do not lie.
Genres
- Epigram — Four lines turn an apparent defense of Babington's looks into a pointed insult.
- Satirical Poetry — The rhymed verse mocks a clergyman by declaring that his appearance truthfully reveals his dishonesty.
Tags
appearance · truth and falsehood · clerical satire · epigram
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On Hearing it Asserted Falsehood is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated Date unknown.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Epigram, Satirical Poetry
- Length: 51 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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