  It was six men of Hindustan, To learning much inclined, Who went to see the elephant (Though all of them were blind), That each by observation Might satisfy his mind. The First approached the elephant, And happening to fall Against his broad and sturdy side, At once began to bawl: “I clearly see the elephant Is very like a wall!” The Second, feeling round the tusk, Cried: “Ho! what have we here, So very round, and smooth, and sharp! To me it is quite clear, This wonder of an elephant Is very like a spear!” The Third approached the animal, And happening to take The squirming trunk within his hands, Thus boldly up and spake: “I see,” quoth he, “the elephant Is very like a snake!” The Fourth reached out his eager hand, And felt about the knee: “What most this wondrous beast is like To me is plain,” said he; “’Tis clear enough the elephant Is very like a tree!” The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, Said: “Even the blindest man Can tell what this resembles most; Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an elephant Is very like a fan!” The Sixth no sooner had begun About the beast to grope, Than, seizing on the swinging tail, That fell within his scope: “I see,” quoth he, “the elephant Is very like a rope!” And so these men of Hindustan Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong; Though each was partly in the right And all were in the wrong. —John Godfrey Saxe. |
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