Oh! fie, the honest Bee reply'd,
I fear you make base man your guide;
Of every creature sure the worst,
Tho' in creation's scale the first!
Ungrateful man! 'tis strange he thrives,
Who burns the Bees, to rob their hives!
I hate his vile administration,
And so do all the emmet nation.
What fatal foes to birds are men
Quite to the Eagle from the Wren!
Oh! do not men's example take,
Who mischief do for mischief's sake;
But spare the Ant — her worth demands
Esteem and friendship at your hands.
A mind with every virtue blest,
Must raise compassion in your breast.