ONCE on a time -- if tales are true -- Among the animals a movement Was started by the foremost few To aid their mutual improvement; A scheme was planned -- whate'er the name -- To mend their physical condition; And in its nature much the same As our "Industrial Exposition." To this the tribes of every sort And element -- fur, fin, and feather -- In friendly rivalry resort, And their inventions bring together. Among a hundred useful things, And many more designed for winning AEsthetic praise, the Silkworm brings A knot of thread of home-made spinning; A silk cocoon! -- how soft and bright! All eyes are glistening with pleasure; How charming to the touch and sight! And then, for fabrics, what a treasure! The very Mole is not so blind But she can see the thing is pretty; And "Premium First" declares the mind Of the unanimous "Committee!" At last a croaking voice is heard; The Caterpillar's, in dissension; "Cocoons! -- a trifle -- on my word! And then they're not a new invention!" The beasts, amazed, with one accord Cried, "Who is this, whose pert decision Would overrule our grave award, And treat our judgment with derision!" "I see!" said Reynard (cunning elf!) "'T is Mr. Caterpillar, surely! The fellow makes cocoons himself, And thinks all others spin as poorly!" MORAL. When critics (would-be authors once) Would rob true Genius of her glory, One sees in each detracting dunce The Caterpillar of my story! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VISION OF BELSHAZZAR by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE BLIND BOY by COLLEY CIBBER A SONG TO MITHRAS by RUDYARD KIPLING SURCEASE by ALICE GARDNER ADAMS THE YOUNG CARPENTER by AL-RUSAFI APRIL by OBADIAH CYRUS AURINGER SAY NO MORE OF ME by ANNA EMILIA BAGSTAD |