104? THE GRASSHOPPER. 



The ancients differ in their opinions rela- 

 tive to the Cicada. Virgil speaks of them 

 as insects of a disagreeable and stridulous 

 tone. On the contrary, Anacreon compli- 

 ments them on their musical note, and makes 

 the Cicada a favourite of Apollo. 



To the Grasshopper. 



Happy Insect ! blithe and gay 

 Seated on the sunny spray, 



And drunk with dew, the leases anionj 

 Singing sweet thy chirping song. 



All the various season's treasures, 

 All the products of the plains, 



Thus lie open to thy pleasures, 

 Fav'rite of the rural swains. 



On thee, the Muses fix their choice, 

 And Phoebus adds his own. 



Who first inspir'd thy lively voice. 

 And tim'd the pleasing tone. 



Thy cheerful note in wood and vale 



Fills every heart with glee ; 

 And summer smiles in double charms 

 l|. While thus proclaim'd by thee. 



