Poems (Follen)/Lines on Nonsense
LINES ON NONSENSE.
Yes, nonsense is a treasure! I love it from my heart; The only earthly pleasure That never will depart.
But, as for stupid reason, That stalking, ten-foot rule, She 's always out of season, A tedious, testy fool.
She 's like a walking steeple, With a clock for face and eyes, Still bawling to all people, Time bids us to be wise.
While nonsense on the spire A weathercock you 'll find, Than reason soaring higher, And changing with the wind.
The clock too oft deceives, Says what it cannot prove; While every one believes The vane that turns above.
Reason oft speaks unbidden, And chides us to our face; For which she should be chidden, And taught to know her place.
While nonsense smiles and chatters, And says such charming things, Like youthful hope she flatters; And like a syren sings.
Her charm 's from fancy borrowed, For she is fancy's pet; Her name is on her forehead, In rainbow colors set.
Then, nonsense let us cherish. Far, far from reason's light; Lest in her light she perish, And vanish from our sight.