A Collection of Original Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

In antient times, when brutes could speak,
And birds and beasts could chatter Greek;
There grew a vine—no matter where—
It flourish'd; 'twas the gardener's care;
One of its leaves had always fed
A caterpillar—here 'twas bred.
But weary of a life of ease,
Its native dwelling could not please,
And fond of dear variety,
Wanted a neighb'ring leaf to see,
Whose glare attractive caught his eye;
The substance he resolv'd to try;
Soft was its down, a pearly hue
Adorn'd it from the falling dew;

Already there his course he bends,
When one among his insect friends
Intreated he'd a moment stay,
And hear some words he had to say.

“Brother, quoth he, depart not hence,
“Nor let your taste mislead your sense;
“Yon verdant leaf, I own, is good,
“And may afford delicious food;
“It gives a prospect of delight,
“And is, indeed, a charming sight;
“But, view the gaping gulf between,
“The dangers that may intervene;
“Say, what can scatter'd life recall,
“If in the passage you should fall?
“Besides, you're certain soon to rise
“'Mongst variegated butterflies,
“And emulate the plumed kind
“That gayly wanton in the wind;

“Who soar above, and proudly view
“Creation's lords—who still pursue
“Fantastic joys thro' human life;
“Imagin'd good, but real strife.

When yesterday the evening sun
His daily course had almost run,
The fairest form I ever saw,
That well might fix'd attention draw,
A form to give the eye delight,
On yonder leaf, amaz'd my sight;
Its wings a thousand colours grac'd,
Tall horns were on its forehead plac'd,
Which added majesty profound;
A vest of down enwreath'd it round:
My wonder the fair object sees,
And solv'd it straight, in words like these.

“Brother, an insect once, like you,
“I thence this fair existence drew;

“We are by nature all design'd
“To reach, in time, this happy kind,
“When we have pass'd a certain state:
“With patience then the time await;
“When metamorphos'd, you shall rise
“Beyond the ken of human eyes;
“And, vested with extensive pow'r,
“May crop the sweets of ev'ry flow'r;
“Thro' nature's lovely mazes range,
“Bless'd with the happy charms of change;
“Partake of all she can unfold,
“Seek new delights, when cloy'd with old;
“And in a moment measure space
“You'd now engross a day to trace.
“For this, preserve yourself with care,”
Said he, “for soon these joys you'll share.”
Then flap'd his painted wings in air;

And on expanded pinions flew
Beyond the limits of my view.

“Timely be wise; nor, sure of this,
“Seek thus to snatch uncertain bliss;
“Like me be wary, and at ease
“Await the destiny's decrees.”

Here stop'd th' adviser; t'other rough,
Reply'd, “Methinks you've said enough;
“Teach fools such fancies to believe,
“Me with such flams you'll ne'er deceive;
“Content with smaller joys, I chuse
“To live, nor real pleasures lose
“For doubtful hopes, nor shall abstain,
“But quick the leaf alluring gain;
“And wherefore should I thus delay,
“When instinct kindly points the way?
“Farewel, fond dupe to fortune's pow'r—
“'Tis mine t'improve the present hour.”

So said, he madly frolick'd on,
Laugh'd at advice, and hum'd a song;—
Ambition tremble, while I tell,
The summit near obtain'd, he fell,
To atoms crush'd at once, he dy'd;
And mingled with the dust his pride.