Quote#Happiness
Before the Barn-Door crowing
Quote byJohn Gay · 1685–1732
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Beggar's Opera (1728), Act II, sc. iv, air 23.
English (original)
Before the Barn-Door crowing, The Cock by Hens attended, His Eyes around him throwing, Stands for a while suspended: Then One he singles from the Crew, And cheers the happy Hen; With how do you do, and how do you do, And how do you do again.
— John Gay
More from John Gay
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Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; and now I know it.
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'Twas when the seas were roaring With hollow blasts of wind, A damsel lay deploring, All on a rock reclined.
My lodging is on the cold ground, And hard, very hard, is my fare, But that which grieves me more Is the coldness of my dear.
Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand.