A Hindu fable.
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 the mind.
The first approached the elephant, And, happening to fallAgainst its broad and sturdy side, At once began to bawl:
"Why, bless me! but the elephant Is very like a wall."The second, as he felt the tusk, Cried, "Ho! what have we hereSo very round and smooth and sharp?
To me "tis mighty clear
This wonder of an elephant Is very like a spear."The third approached the animal, And, happening to takeThe squirming trunk within his hand, Thus boldly up he spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the elephant Is very like a snake!"The fourth reached out his eager hand, And felt about its knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like Is mighty plain," quoth he:
" "Tis clear enough the elephant Is very like a tree!"The fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, Said, " E"en the blindest manCan 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, They all were in the wrong!
- John Godfrey Saxe
Author.-John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887) was an American poet, writer, editor, and lawyer. Most of his poems were meant to make people laugh.
General Notes.-The purpose of this poem is to show that peoplemay differ in their opinions and yet all be right. Truth is many-sided. What was like a wall, like a spear, like a snake, like a tree, like a fan, like a rope? Where is Hindustan? Draw a picture of one of the men. Draw the elephant.