• 24-1 
Its parasitical character has suggested the following 
stanzas. 
“ A parasite! I would not be, 
For worlds, that servile thins ; 
Kot royalty itself, from me 
E’er homage won of heart or knee; 
To Power I would not cling 
(Like this vile plant to oaken bough), 
Though it had kingdoms to bestow ! ” 
’Tis proudly said—yet pause — for Power 
A crown not always wears; 
Oft hundred-headed (as of yore 
The monster, famed in classic lore,) 
Its Proteus-form appears: 
And thus disguised from mortal ken 
Hast thou ne’er worshipp’d in its train? 
