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School: Ballymahon (B.) (roll number 12690)

Location:
Ballymahon, Co. Longford
Teacher:
Eugene Conway
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0751, Page 297

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0751, Page 297

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  3. XML “Oliver Goldsmith's First Poem”

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  1. Oliver Goldsmith's First Poem

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    When Oliver Goldsmith was only a child he was taken to Church by his nurse for the first time. Never having seen the place before he made sure that nothing would escape his notice for he kept constantly looking in all directions. His nurse felt greatly ashamed of him, and though she tried to keep him quiet she didn't succeed. When they returned home after service the nurse complained bitterly to Oliver's father of the little boy's bad manners. The father asked the child why he had misbehaved in the Church and the little boy answered him in rhyme as follows.
    The pious rat
    For want of a stairs
    Climbed down the rope
    To say his prayers.
    This is said to be Oliver Goldsmith's first poem.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. genre
      1. poetry
        1. folk poetry (~9,504)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Tom Skelly
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Ballymahon, Co. Longford