The poetical works of William Lisle Bowles ... with memoir, critical dissertation, and explanatory notes, by the Rev. George Gilfillan |
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 | The poetical works of William Lisle Bowles |  |
THE BUTTERFLY AND THE BEE.
1
Methought I heard a butterflySay to a labouring bee,
Thou hast no colours of the sky
On painted wings, like me.
2
Poor child of vanity! those dyes,And colours bright and rare,
With mild reproof, the bee replies,
Are all beneath my care.
3
Content I toil from morn till eve,And, scorning idleness,
To tribes of gawdy sloth I leave
The vanities of dress.
| The poetical works of William Lisle Bowles | |