How thy strength in weakness lies! Not a robber bird, that flies, Finds support whereby to put On a stalk her lawless foot. Not a predatory beak Plunges down, thy stores to seek, Where the guard of silver spears Keeps the fruit, and decks the ears. No vain insect, that could do Harm to thee, dares venture through Such an armory, or eat Off the sheath to take the wheat.
What a study do we find Opened here for eye and mind! In it who can offer less, Than to wonder, and confess, That on this high-favored ground, Faith is blest, and hope is crowned. Charity her arms may spread Wide from it, with gifts of bread. Wisdom, power, and goodness meet In the bounteous field of wheat.
I am the tiniest child of earth, But still, I would like to be known to fame, Though next to nothing I had my birth, And lowest of all is my lowly name.
Yet, if so humble my native place, I this can say, in family pride, That I 'm of the world's most numerous race, And made by the Maker of all beside.
Although I 'm so poor, I have nought to lose; Still I 'm so little I can't be lost: I journey about wherever I choose, And those, who carry me, bear the cost.
The most forgiving of earthly things, I often cling to my deadly foe; And, spite of the cruelest flirts and flings, Arise by the force that has cast me low.
When beauty has trodden me under foot, I 've quietly risen her face to seek, Embraced her forehead, or calmly put Myself to rest in her dimpled cheek.
I 've ridden to war on the soldier's plume; But startled, and sprung at the wild affray, The sights of horror, of fire and fume, And fled on the wing of the winds away.
I 've visited courts, and been ushered in By the proudest guest of the stately scene; I 've touched his majesty's bosom-pin, And the nuptial ring of his lofty queen.
At the royal board, in the grand parade, I 've oft been one familiar and free: The fairest lady has smiled, and laid Her delicate, gloveless hand on me.
Philosopher, poet, the learned, the sage, Never declines a call from me; And all, of every rank and age, Admit me into their _coterie_.
I visit the lions of every where, If human, or brute, and can testify To what they do, to what they wear, To wonders none ever beheld but I!