The Caterpillar and the Ant 



Can foot a minuet or jig, 

 And snoov 't like ony whirly-gig; 

 Which gars my jo aft grip my hand, 

 Till his heart pitty-pattys, and — 

 But laigh my qualities 1 bring, 

 To stand up clashing wi' a thing, 

 A creeping thing the like o' thee, 

 Not worthy o' a farewell t' ye.' 

 The airy Ant syne turned awa, 

 And left him wi' a proud gaffa. 

 The Caterpillar was struck dumb, 

 And never answered her a mum: 

 The humble reptile fand some pain, 

 Thus to be banter'd wi' disdain. 



But tent neist time the Ant came by, 

 The worm was grown a Butterfly; 

 Transparent were his wings and fair, 

 Which bare him flight'ring through the air. 

 Upon a flower he stapt his flight, 

 And thinking on his former slight, 

 Thus to the Ant himself addrest: 

 ' Pray, Madam, will ye please to rest? 

 And notice what I now advise: 

 Inferiors ne'er too much despise, 

 For fortune may gie sic a turn, 

 To raise aboon ye what ye scorn: 

 For instance, now I spread my wing 

 In air, while you 're a creeping thing.' " 



Allan Ramsay. 



jeJs«i«»«ui. 



317 



