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The Poems and Miscellaneous Compositions of Paul Whitehead

With Explanatory Notes on his Writings, and His life written by Captain Edward Thompson. With a Head of the Author, From a Painting by Mr. Gainsborough
  

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160

THE BUTTERFLY AND BEE.

To FLAVIA.
See! Flavia, see! that flutt'ring Thing
Skim round yon' flower with sportive wing,
Yet ne'er its sweets explore;
While, wiser, the industrious Bee
Extracts the honey from the tree,
And hives the precious store.
So You, with coy, coquettish art,
Play wanton round your Lover's heart,
Insensible and free:
Love's balmy blessing would you try,
No longer sport a Butterfly,
But imitate the Bee.