Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TAX-GATHERER by JOHN BANISTER TABB

First Line: AND PRAY, WHO ARE YOU?
Last Line: "HAVE YOU NOTHING FOR ME?"
Subject(s): BEES; INSECTS; TAXES; BEEKEEPING; BUGS;

"AND pray, who are you?"
Said the violet blue
To the Bee, with surprise
At his wonderful size,
In her eye-glass of dew.

"I, madam," quoth he,
"Am a publican Bee,
Collecting the tax
On honey and wax.
Have you nothing for me?"



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