As a bird, if it light on a sprig too slight

The feathery freight to bear,

Yet, conscious of wings, tosses fearless, and sings,

Then drops—on the buoyant air.[159]

FOOTNOTES:

[131] Système de la Nature, published under the pseudonyme of Mirabaud.

[132] Système de la Nature, Part I. chap. 1.

[133] Ibid. Part II. chap. 14.

[134] Vie de Jésus. Dedication.

[135] Revue des Deux Mondes of 15 January, 1860.