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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A rooster surveys the flock before choosing one hen to greet repeatedly.
- In plain terms
- He looks around then picks one hen to say hello to many times.
- What can you take from it?
- Social rituals often involve selecting specific individuals for attention.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do leaders choose who to favor?
- Is repetition a sign of affection?
Another view
The text implies animal behavior but may be anthropomorphic.
More from John Gay
Youth's the season made for joys, Love is then our duty.
Permalink to quote #26 Man may escape from rope and gun; Nay, some have outlived the doctor's pill: Who takes a woman must be undone, That basilisk is sure to kill. The fly that sips…
Permalink to quote #28 I must have women-there is nothing unbends the mind like them.
Permalink to quote #25
Related quotes
His death which happened in his berth, At forty-odd befell: They went and told the sexton, and The sexton tolled the bell.
Thomas HoodThomas Hood quote #1 'Husbands are like fires - they go out when unattended.'
Zsa Zsa GaborZsa Zsa Gabor quote #1 An actor's a guy, who if you ain't talking about him, ain't listening.
Marlon BrandoMarlon Brando quote #1