 | The harp and plow |  |
168
INFERIOR ANIMALS AFFORD INSTRUCTION TO MAN.
As the loquacious geese upon the wing,Beguiling labor, never cease to sing;
As the poor bee, half drowned in soaking rain,
Dries his wet wing and buzzes forth again;
As the good dog obeys his master's will,
Thro' good and evil his companion still;
As the meek lamb, beneath the butcher's knife,
In conscious innocence resigns its life—
So, man, on thee when life's hard labors press,
Let your heart sing, and make the burden less.
When Mischief's ill-brewed rains have drenched it thro',
Dry your wet cloak and brave the storm anew.
From your own dog a golden lesson learn,
And ne'er to sacred friendship traitor turn.
When death shall lift his hand to stop thy breath,
Look up with innocence and welcome death!
| The harp and plow | |