The Flatting-mill. An Illustration Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEG HIHI JDJD KLKL| When a bar of pure silver or ingot of gold | A |
| Is sent to be flatted or wrought into length | B |
| It is pass'd between cylinders often and roll'd | A |
| In an engine of utmost mechanical strength | B |
| - | |
| Thus tortured and squeezed at last it appears | C |
| Like a loose heap of ribbon a glittering show | D |
| Like music it tinkles and rings in your ears | C |
| And warm'd by the pressure is all in a glow | D |
| - | |
| This process achiev'd it is doom'd to sustain | E |
| The thump after thump of a gold beater's mallet | F |
| And at last is of service in sickness or pain | E |
| To cover a pill from a delicate palate | G |
| - | |
| Alas for the Poet who dares undertake | H |
| To urge reformation of national ill | I |
| His head and his heart are both likely to ache | H |
| With the double employment of mallet and mill | I |
| - | |
| If he wish to instruct he must learn to delight | J |
| Smooth ductile and even his fancy must flow | D |
| Must tinkle and glitter like gold to the sight | J |
| And catch in its progress a sensible glow | D |
| - | |
| After all he must beat it as thin and as fine | K |
| As the leaf that enfolds what an invalid swallows | L |
| For truth is unwelcome however divine | K |
| And unless you adorn it a nausea follows | L |
William Cowper
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