One of the Authors of the “Introduction to Entomology.”

I know not which to envy most,

Thy knowledge of the insect host,

Tenants of earth, or air;

Or thy acquaintance with each scene

Of barren heath, or meadow green,

To which their tribes repair.

The first hath cast around thy name

A purer, and a happier fame

Than e’er was won by arms;

While both have surely taught thy heart

Somewhat of wisdom's better part,

Through nature's hidden charms.

For well I ween, a heart like thine

Contemplating the Hand Divine

Thy favorite science shows,

Taught by each proof of power and love,

To Him who dwells and reigns above

With grateful feeling glows.

And, such a feeling to extend,

To show how skill and goodness blend

Throughout creation's plan,

Must rank amongst those wise pursuits,

Whose genuine, and whose grateful fruits

Are blessed of God, and man!

Yes, every science, lore, or art,

Which tends to foster in the heart

Knowledge of nature's laws,

Must, sanctified by grace divine,

“Precept on precept, line on line,”

Exalt their First Great Cause!

Pursue, then, my ingenious friend,

Thy search; and mayst thou, in the end,

Partake a prouder change,

Than e’er thy insect tribes can know,

Despite the beauty these may show,

In transformations strange.

For these, though plumed with splendid wings,

Are still but fair and fragile things,

Which seem but born, to die;

Whilst thou, thy web of knowledge spun,

Thy daily task of duty done,

Shalt soar above yon glorious sun,

To immortality!