Page:The poetical works of Thomas Campbell.djvu/268

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248

THE CHERUBS.

SUGGESTED BY AN APOLOGUE IN THE WORKS OF FRANKLIN.

Two spirits reached this world of ours:The lightning's locomotive powersWere slow to their agility:In broad day-light they moved incog,Enjoying, without mist or fog,Entire invisibility.
The one, a simple cherub lad,Much interest in our planet had,Its face was so romantic;He couldn't persuade himself that manWas such as heavenly rumours ran,A being base and frantic.
The elder spirit, wise and cool,Brought down the youth as to a school;But strictly on condition,Whatever they should see or hear,With mortals not to interfere;'Twas not in their commission.
They reached a sovereign city proud,Whose emperor prayed to God aloud,With all his people kneeling,And priests performed religious rites:"Come," said the younger of the sprites;"This shows a pious feeling."
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