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Do what we may, they still prevail

And to correct them all our efforts fail.

(Krilov, Fables. Translated from the Russian for Fraser's Magazine.)

WO Flies, determining to change

&ensp;Their country, and abroad to range,

In order novel sights to see.

Explained their project to a Bee.

To her they stated

Their friend. Sir Parrot, had related

Of foreign parts such wondrous things.

They were resolved to use their wings.

There surely was no great temptation

Longer to stay in this dull nation,

Where everything was cold and dingy.

And folks grew every day more stingy!

"They grudge us e'en the smallest sup;

From us poor Flies they cover up

Both meat and drink; and fence, alas!

Their fruits of every kind with glass.

So are we treated by the wealthy.

And 'mongst the poor fare scarcely better.

Since Spiders there, our foes so stealthy,

Weave treacherous webs, our wings to fetter."

"Well, friends," the home-spun Bee replied,

"'Tis not for me your scheme to chide,