Classic Poem

TO THE AUTHORESS OF " THE FLORIST'S MANUAL, " IN WHICH SHE RECOMMENDS THE DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS.

G O , elegant Instructress — teach the fair
To range in order meet her mingled flowers,
In plots, in beds, in borders, and in bowers;
But oh! the bright inhabitants of air,
The insect's animated lustre spare!
Design'd, like thee, to pass their few short hours
Amidst the sweets indulgent Nature pours,
And every joy with equal right to share.
O, canst thou with delighted sense inhale
The fragrance breathing on the morning gale,
And all the gay parterre with rapture see;
Yet, with relentless hand and envious eyes,
Crush the poor insect, that discursive flies
From flower to flower with bliss unknown to thee?

TO THE AUTHORESS OF " THE FLORIST'S MANUAL, " IN WHICH SHE RECOMMENDS THE DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS.

G O , elegant Instructress — teach the fair
To range in order meet her mingled flowers,
In plots, in beds, in borders, and in bowers;
But oh! the bright inhabitants of air,
The insect's animated lustre spare!
Design'd, like thee, to pass their few short hours
Amidst the sweets indulgent Nature pours,
And every joy with equal right to share.
O, canst thou with delighted sense inhale
The fragrance breathing on the morning gale,
And all the gay parterre with rapture see;
Yet, with relentless hand and envious eyes,
Crush the poor insect, that discursive flies
From flower to flower with bliss unknown to thee?