I <br />LEST it may more quarrels breed, <br />I will never hear you read. <br /> <br />II <br />By disputing, I will never, <br />To convince you once endeavour. <br /> <br />III <br />When a paradox you stick to, <br />I will never contradict you. <br /> <br />IV <br />When I talk and you are heedless, <br />I will show no anger needless. <br /> <br />V <br />When your speeches are absurd, <br />I will ne'er object a word. <br /> <br />VI <br />When you furious argue wrong, <br />I will grieve and hold my tongue. <br /> <br />VII <br />Not a jest or humorous story <br />Will I ever tell before ye: <br />To be chidden for explaining, <br />When you quite mistake the meaning. <br /> <br />VIII <br />Never more will I suppose, <br />You can taste my verse or prose. <br /> <br />IX <br />You no more at me shall fret, <br />While I teach and you forget. <br /> <br />X <br />You shall never hear me thunder, <br />When you blunder on, and blunder. <br /> <br />XI <br />Show your poverty of spirit, <br />And in dress place all your merit; <br />Give yourself ten thousand airs: <br />That with me shall break no squares. <br /> <br />XII <br />Never will I give advice, <br />Till you please to ask me thrice: <br />Which if you in scorn reject, <br />'Twill be just as I expect. <br /> <br />Thus we both shall have our ends, <br />And continue special friends.<br /><br />Jonathan Swift<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/twelve-articles/
