...The couplet which (copied from his own works) is inscribed on the tomb of our poetical fabulist— " Life is a. jest, and all things show it: I thought so once, and now—I know it," with the change of a single word, would not ill serve as an exposition—at least...

...more idle heads than one : Even Gay took it up, and caused it to be placed on his tombstone. T/ife is a JEST, and all things show it, I thought so once ; but now I know it. This distich calls to my mind PEREDA'S picture of the Desengano de la Vida, at Madrid ; implying that...

...monumental inscription, and now appearing in golden letters on his tomb in Westminster Abbey: This world's n jest, and all things show it: I thought so once, but now I know it. A sentiment, in theory more false, and in practical influence more injurious, it is not easy to conceive;...

...epitaphs ; among others, the facetious poet, John Gay, has the following, written by himself : — " Life is a jest, and all things show it; I thought so once, and now I know it" Not so — by this time he has doubtless discovered that life is a momentous reality...

...door is a monument to the memory f Gay; consisting of a pyramid, medallion, and boy, on a pelestal. Life is a jest, and all things show it, I thought so once, hut now I know it. Of manners gentle, of affections mild, In wit a man, simplicity a child. With native...

...epitaphs ; among others, the facetious poet, John Gay, has the following, written by himself : — " Life is a jest, and all things show it; I thought so once, and now I know it" Not so — by this time he has doubtless discovered that life is a momentous reality...

...pastoral. The short epitaph on the front was written by himself. It is censured by some for its levity — Life is a jest, and all things show it: I thought so once, but now I know it. Underneath are these verses by Mr. Pope, who lived always in great friendship with Mr. Gay : — Of...

...monument is an epitaph written by himself, which is no less shocking to good taste than to religion : " Life is a jest, and all things show it : I thought so once, and now 1 know it." John Gay was considered a sensible man; but he has probably had occasion to change...

...pastoral. The short epitaph on the front was written by himself. It is censured by some for its levity — Life is a jest, and all things show it: I thought so once, but now I know it. Underneath are these verses by Mr. Pope, who lived always in great friendship with Mr. Gay : — Of...

...— nimiely farce, satire, fable, and pastoral : — \-.. „ . • Vt'.hi » v••,i«' '.'.'. . Life is a jest, and all things show It : '' I thought so once, hut now I know it. Underneath are these verses by Pope : — Of manners gentle, of affections mild...