The God who made the world, and…

The God who made the world, and saw it fair, Gave it in trust to my peculiar care; Presented, with it, a conserving power O'er ev'ry living herb, tree, fruit, and flow'r. NATURE, he said, be this my high decree, No God but I!—no Goddesses but thee!

This law divine all human things confess'd, And own'd the works of Nature were the best. Like NATURE none could bid the flow'ret bloom, Paint in such colours, blend such rich perfume; My pink, rose, violet, jasmine, seem'd so fair, While NATURE triumph'd, ART was in despair, Where'er I mov'd, a thousand odours flew, And at my touch a thousand beauties grew.

But my reign ends:—with rage, with shame I burn! Since you my meanest arms against me turn, 'Tis time for NATURE to renounce her pow'rs, When from her carrots you can form her flow'rs, And of her vilest turnips of the field— Yes robber—yes, 'tis time that I should yield— In one short hour you bid a pink appear, Would keep me hard at work for half a year.

Madam, beware—ah! dread Prometheus' fate! You've stole my fire—repent ere yet too late. Turnips and carrots! O my bursting heart! The God that made us both shall know your art. And this, Ingrate! to me! to whom you owe Unnumber'd other charms; thus, thus, to go, Thus steal my paint and pencil! all my store! Here, take my throne, since you've usurp'd my power.