THE FLY AND THE POET. 23 



" I come from a spot where the fruit of the vine, 



And the oil of the olive abound ; 

 Where Arabia and India their riches combine, 



And shed spiciest of odours around. 



" High over blue mountains with snowy white tips, 



I wander , but use your own eyes, 



Only look round the shop where you go for your dips, 



And you'll see the Parnassus of Flies. 



" And now for my council thus rich the domain, 



Whence I draw inspiration and bread ; 

 But by lightness, not weight, I this empire maintain, 



And by emptiness stand on my head. 



" While others can't climb, using infinite pains, 



I, gravity turning to jest, 

 Ascend, with all ease, perpendicular planes, 



Rough or smooth, just as pleases me best. 

 So try lightness, friend Poet I warrant you'll find 

 That as I rule matter, so you may rule mind !" 



frienb poet," 



