Poem by William Topaz McGonagall

Genius

What is genius?
’Tis a thing seldom rewarded;
If you are in poverty
’Tis sure to be disregarded.
But if you are a rich man
Your company is courted
By the high and the low,
Throughout the world wherever you go.
Whereas the poor man
By his fellow-workmen is spurned;
They look on him with a jealous eye,
And their noses upturn’d,
And they say to themselves,
You are no greater than we;
If you are, show it,
And we’ll all worship thee.
And rally around you,
And applaud you to the skies;
And none of us all
Will ever you despise,
Because you can help yourself,
You are a very great man,
And every one of us
Will do all that we can,
You for to please,
And never will tease,
Nor try to offend you,
By any misbehaviour;
And to court your favour
We will always endeavour.
That is the way genius
Is rewarded;
But if you are in poverty
’Tis sure to be disregarded.

1. The Little Match Girl
2. Drogheda and its Surroundings
3. Lost on the Prairie
4. The Battle of Glencoe
5. Beautiful Nairn

Mark Twain Genius ("Genius, like gold and precious stones")

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