Classic Poem

There was a parrot that had learned to speak
The language of a tribe that ceased to be;
And thus the parrot's words became " all Greek "
To those who heard; but ne'ertheless did he.

Still chatter on with zeal that did not wane.
Who'd keep him now? At last, it was agreed
A wealthy church — smile not, O ye profane —
Should buy him to repeat for them the creed.