63 
FABLES OF FLORA 
The Vine, with conscious truth, replied, 
‘ O, erring; man! hast thou to learn, 
That every tree, and flower, and vine, 
Perverted from its true design, 
Will work thee ruin in its turn ? 
‘ Thy spirit, like the fruit I bear, 
Has elements of healthful life, 
That by some passion-heat fermented, 
Are changed to deadly, fires, and vented 
In malice, envyings, and strife. 
‘ God made us good; but with a seed 
Of woe within, that foolish man, 
(Intent on knowing what is hid, 
Though God in every law forbid,) 
Will sow, and reap from, if he can! 
‘ So hast thou sown, and so must reap! 
But curse not me ; for even now, 
To cool the malison on thy tongue, 
My luscious fruit is freely hung 
In shadows o’er thy fevered brow.’ 
