The Ant, and Caterpillar

As an Ant, of his talents superiourly vain,
Was trotting, with consequence, over the plain,
A Worm, in his progress remarkably slow,
Cry'd — " Bless your good worship wherever you go;
I hope your great mightiness won't take it ill,
I pay my respects with an hearty good-will. "
With a look of contempt and impertment pride,
" Begone, you vile reptile, " his Antship replied;
" Go — go and lament your contemptible state,
But first — look at me — see my limbs how complete;
I guide all my motions with freedom and ease,
Run backward and forward, and turn when I please:
Of nature (grown weary) you shocking essay!
I spurn you thus from me — crawl out of my way. "

The reptile insulted, and vext to the soul,
Crept onwards, and hid himself close in his hole;
But nature, determin'd to end his distress,
Soon sent him abroad in a Butterfly's dress.

Ere long the proud Ant, as repassing the road,
(Fatigu'd from the harvest, and tugging his load,)
The beau on a violet bank he beheld,
Whose vesture, in glory, a monarch's excell'd;
His plumage expanded — 'twas rare to behold,
So lovely a mixture of purple and gold.

The Ant quite amaz'd at a figure so gay,
Bow'd low with respect and was trudging away:
" Stop, friend, " says the Butterfly — " don't be surpriz'd,
I once was the reptile you spurn'd and despis'd;
But now I can mount, in the sun-beams I play,
While you must, for ever, drudge on in your way. "

MORAL .

A wretch, though to-day he's o'er-loaded with sorrow,
May soar above those that oppress'd him — tomorrow.