6 PRELIMIXAEY 



some serves for an alembic, producing a dis- 

 tilled syrup which man may imitate, but in 

 vain attempt to equal : to others, it performs 

 the office of a tongue : to some, an instru- 

 ment for piercing ; and to most, as a reed 

 for suction. 



On the Beauty of Insects : 

 BY Mrs. Barbavld. 



Observe the insect race, ordain'd io keep 

 The lazy sabbath of a half year's sleep. 

 Entomb'd beneath the filmy web they lie, 

 And wait the influence of a kinder sky. 

 When vernal sun-beams pierce their dark retreat, 

 The heaving tomb distends with vital heat : 

 The full-form'd brood, impatient of their cell, 

 Start from their trance and burst their silken shell. 

 Trembling awhile they stand, and scarcely dare 

 To launch at once upon the untried air. 

 At length assur'd they catch the fav'ring gale 

 And leave their sordid spoils, and high in aether sai 1 . 



Lo the bright train their radiant wings unfold, 

 With ilver fringed, and freckled o'er with gold. 



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