But he supplies their gasping wants;

Ev’n from his own dry parched lips

He spares it for his coffee-slips.

Water he gives his nurslings first

Ere he allays his own deep thirst;

Lest if he first the water sip

He bear too far his eager lip.

He sees them droop for want of more;

Yet when they reach the destined shore,

With pride the heroic gardener sees