BY DR. DELANY

I reach all things near me, and far off to boot,

Without stretching a finger, or stirring a foot;

I take them all in too, to add to your wonder,

Though many and various, and large and asunder,

Without jostling or crowding they pass side by side,

Through a wonderful wicket, not half an inch wide;

Then I lodge them at ease in a very large store,

Of no breadth or length, with a thousand things more.

All this I can do without witchcraft or charm,

Though sometimes they say, I bewitch and do harm;

Though cold, I inflame; and though quiet, invade:

And nothing can shield from my spell but a shade.

A thief that has robb'd you, or done you disgrace,

In magical mirror, I'll show you his face:

Nay, if you'll believe what the poets have said,

They'll tell you I kill, and can call back the dead.

Like conjurers safe in my circle I dwell;

I love to look black too, it heightens my spell;

Though my magic is mighty in every hue,

Who see all my power must see it in you.

The Poems of Jonathan Swift, D.D., Volume 2 · 第 58 / 310 题