BOOK OF NATURE LAID OPEN. 91 



hands for slumber just at the time we have comple- 

 ted our preparations for activity; and to the Ant, the 

 sluggard is sent to learn a lesson of prudence and 

 foresight. 



" These emmets, how little they are in our eyes ! 

 We tread them to dust, and a troop of them dies 



Without our regard or concern : 

 Yet, as wise as we are, if we went to their school, 

 There's many a sluggard, and many a fool, 



A lesson of wisdom might learn.'* 



CHAP IX. 



REPTILES. 



' Lo ! the green Serpent, from his dark abode, 

 Which even imagination fears to tread ; 

 At noon forth issuing, gathers up his train 

 In orbs immense." 



. " Thro' subterraneous cells, 



Where scorching sunbeams scarce can find a way, 

 Earth animated heaves. The flowery leaf 

 Wants not its soft inhabitants." 



IN the order of Reptiles, we have a new display 

 of the wonders of creating art. These creatures are 

 also endowed with the power of motion, but how 

 differently do they move from any of the orders we 

 have already considered Deprived of the usual ap- 

 paratus of legs or wings, the ponderous Serpent is- 

 sues from his concealment, and moves majestically 

 along by means of his scales and strong muscular 



