Were I (who to my cost already am
One of those strange, prodigious creatures, man)
A spirit free to choose, for my own share,
What case of flesh and blood I pleased to wear,
I'd be a dog, a monkey or a bear,
Or anything but that vain animal
Who is so proud of being rational.
Earl of Rochester, 1647-80, "A Satyre against Reason and Mankind".
Here are some collected bits and pieces on th'internet (warning: nsfw or anywhere else: libertine alert).
A completely complete Complete Works has yet to be published: meanwhile the Penguin Classic languishes under the Key Phrases
Maimed Debauchee
Lucky Minute
Booby Squire
Imperfect Rhyme
If I could only hope that these might be carved on my own gravestone. Alas, a humbler oblivion awaits yr Blogista.
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Somehow or other searching for Rochester led me to this delightful site.
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