Classic Poem

In Greece, an athlete boasted once
That he could outswim anyone.
“So can a goose,” remarked a sage,
With eyes alive with wholesome fun.

The athlete boasted on, “And I
Can deeper dive than any man.”
“So can a bullfrog,” said the sage.
But, heedless still, the fool began,

“And more than that, can higher kick
Than any living man in Greece.”
“And so can any jackass,” said
The sage. The athlete held his peace.

In Greece, an athlete boasted once
That he could outswim anyone.
“So can a goose,” remarked a sage,
With eyes alive with wholesome fun.

The athlete boasted on, “And I
Can deeper dive than any man.”
“So can a bullfrog,” said the sage.
But, heedless still, the fool began,

“And more than that, can higher kick
Than any living man in Greece.”
“And so can any jackass,” said
The sage. The athlete held his peace.