THE FIRE WORSHIPPERS 



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the keenest eye cannot detect them. But the moment one of them 

 flies up it is a striking object, for its hind wings are broadly banded 

 with black and white or yellow or red or rose pink. The cater- 

 pillars of the Underwings feed upon the leaves of various forest 

 trees and are as protected by their colors from observation as are 

 the moths. 



A CafocaJa 



To a Night-fly Approaching a Candle 



Philip Frexeau 



(Chir most distinguished Poet dining the American Revolution) 



Attracted by the taper's rays, 

 How carelessly you come to gaze 

 On what absorbs you in its blaze! 



O moth! I bid you have a care: 

 You do not heed the danger near — 

 This Ught, to you a blazing star. 



Already you have scorched your wings: 

 What courage, or what folly brings 

 You, hovering near such blazing things? 



Ah me! you touch this Uttle sun — 

 One circuit more, and all is done! 

 Now to the furnace you are gone! 



Thus foil}', with ambition join'd. 

 Attracts the insects of mankind, 

 And sways the superficial mind: 



Thus, power has charms which all admire. 

 But dangerous is that central fire — 

 If you are wise, — in time retire. 



