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And warn her as she prized her beauty,

To bend her humour to her duty.

All this the Looking-Glass achieved;

Its threats were minded and believed.

The Maid who spurned at all advice,

Grew tame and gentle in a trice:

So, when all other means had failed,

The silent monitor prevailed.

Thus, Fable to the human kind

Presents an image of the mind:

It is a mirror, where we spy

At large our own deformity:

And learn of course those faults to mend

Which but to mention would offend.

(T. Moore.)

THE MAN AND THE FLEA

HETHER in earth, in air, or main,

Sure everything alive is vain!

Does not the Hawk all fowls survey

As destined only for his prey?

And do not Tyrants, prouder things,

Think men were born for slaves to kings?

"What dignity's in human nature!"

Says Man, the most conceited creature,

As from a cliff he casts his eyes,

And views the sea with arching skies: