THE FABLES OF FLORA. 69 



As conscious that affection grows. 



Pleased with the pencil's mimic power*; 

 That power with leading hand she shows, 

 And paints a Bee upon a flower. 



Mark, how that rooted mandrake wears 

 His human feet, his human hands! 



Oft, as his shapely form he tears. 

 Aghast the frighted ploughman stands. 



See where, in yonder orient stone. 

 She seems ev'n with herself at strife. 



While fairer from her hand is shown 

 The pictured, than the native life. 



* The well-known Fables of the Painter and the Statuary that 

 fell in love with objects of their own creation, plainly arose from 

 the idea of that attachment, which follows the imitation of agree- 

 able objects, to the objects imitated. 



