THE BOY, THE MOTHER, AND THE BUTTERFLY
[1827]
Young William held the Butterfly in chase,
And it was pretty to observe the race
Betwixt the Fly and Child, who nigh had caught him
But for a merry jest his Mother taught him.
"My valiant Huntsman, fie!" she said, "for shame,
You are too big a match for so small game,
To catch the Hare, or nimble Squirrel try,
Remember, William, He is BUT A FLY."
Not always is Humanity imprest
By serious schooling; a light word or jest
Will sometimes leave a moral sting behind
When graver lessons vanish out of mind.