Classic Poem

Where beasts in effigy the plane-grove grace,
Hard by the " Hundred Columns" has its place
A bear in bronze. Young Hylas in its jaw
Thrust his fair hand to try the gaping maw.
But lo, a viper grim was lurking there,
Alert and far more deadly than the bear.
The boy knew nothing till he felt the sting.
Shame that the bear was not a living thing!