PHILOSOPHIC ANTS? 



Amoeba has her picture in the book, 

 Proud Protozoon! — Yet beware of pride. 

 All she can do is fatten and divide; 



She cannot even read, or sew, or cook . . . 



The Worm can crawl— but has no eyes to look: 

 The Jelly-fish can swim— but lacks a bride: 

 The Fly's a very Ass personified: 



And speech is absent even from the Rook. 



The Ant herself cannot philosophize— 



While Man does that, and sees, and keeps a wife, 

 And flies, and talks, and is extremely wise . . . 



Will our Philosophy to later Life 

 Seem but a crudeness of the planet's youth, 

 Our Wisdom but a parasite of Truth? 



