To A Night-Fly[148]

Approaching a Candle

Attracted by the taper's rays, How carelessly you come to gaze On what absorbs you in its blaze!

O Fly! I bid you have a care: You do not heed the danger near; This light, to you a blazing star.

Already you have scorch'd your wings: What courage, or what folly brings You, hovering near such blazing things?

Ah me! you touch this little sun-- One circuit more and all is done!-- Now to the furnace you are gone!--

Thus folly with ambition join'd, Attracts the insects of mankind, And sways the superficial mind:

Thus, power has charms which all admire, But dangerous is that central fire-- If you are wise in time retire.--

the edition of 1815.