The Nightingale and Glow-worm (Fable III)

THE prudent nymph whose cheeks disclose
The lily and the blushing rose
From publick view her charms will screen
And rarely in the crowd be seen;
This simple truth shall keep her wise,
"The fairest fruits attract the flies."

One night a Glow-worm, proud and vain,
Contemplating her glitt'ring train,
Cry'd, "Sure there never was in Nature
"So elegant so fine a creature!
"All other insects that I see,
"The frugal ant, industrious bee,
"Or silkworm, with contempt I view,
"With all that low mechanick crew
"Who servilely their lives employ
"In bus'ness, enemy to joy.
"Mean vulgar Herd! ye are my scorn;
"For grandeur only I was born,
"Or sure am sprung from race divine,
"And plac'd on earth to live and shine:
"Those lights that sparkle so on high
"Are but the Glow-worms of the sky,
"And kings on earth their gems admire
"Because they imitate my fire."

She spoke: attentive on a spray
A Nightingale forebore his lay;
He saw the shining morsel near,
And flew directed by the glare;
A while he gaz'd with sober look,
And thus the trembling prey bespoke:

"Deluded Fool! with pride elate,
"Know it is thy beauty brings thy fate;
"Less dazzling long thou might'st have lain
"Unheeded on the velvet plain.
"Pride soon or late degraded mourns,
"And Beauty wrecks whom she adorns."