THE MISTAKEN MOTH
Reading edition
’MID the summer flush of roses Red and white, Sat a damsel fair, a very Pretty sight; Till a butterfly, so smart, With a flutter and a dart, Kissed her mouth and made her start In a fright. “Ah, forgive me!” begged the insect, “If you please; I assure you that I didn’t Mean to tease. I but took your rosebud lip For the rose wherein I dip, All its honey sweet to sip At mine ease.” Said the beauty, to the moth, “You may try To excuse your forward conduct, Sir, but I Wish it clearly understood That such roses are too good To be kissed by every rude Butterfly!” Translated from Wegener.