IN a far-away country, some centuries since (If the story is false, it is certainly pleasant), Two fairies attended the birth of a Prince, And, after their custom, each brought him a present. "I bring him," one whispered, "the eagle's bright vision, So keen and wide-reaching that even a fly The monarch may mark with the sharpest precision, However remote, at a glance of his eye." "An excellent gift for a sovereign, no doubt," The other responds, "is a good pair of eyes: But an eagle would scorn to be peering about, With intent to remark the behavior of flies! "And so to your present I beg to unite A gift of my choosing, -- well suited to kings, And others no less; to the eagle's keen sight I add his contempt for all trivial things!" "In sooth," said the first, "I confess that I think Your cautious restriction exceedingly wise; How often it happens that merely to wink Is the properest use we can make of our eyes!" |