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But in his eyes' expression keen,
Triumphant pleasure might be seen;
Small cause had he to fear!
For in a window near a swarm
Of bees their daily task perform,
Their curious fabric rear.
From his high throne a page he sends,
Who straight the casement wide extends.
The clust'ring tribe, to instinct true,
To nature's living flow'rets flew;
To the rich rose delighted clung,
Around the fragrant jasmine hung,
And sipp'd the balmy dew.
Triumphant pleasure might be seen;
Small cause had he to fear!
For in a window near a swarm
Of bees their daily task perform,
Their curious fabric rear.
From his high throne a page he sends,
Who straight the casement wide extends.
The clust'ring tribe, to instinct true,
To nature's living flow'rets flew;
To the rich rose delighted clung,
Around the fragrant jasmine hung,
And sipp'd the balmy dew.
The courtiers and the royal dame
Bow'd to the monarch's well-earn'd fame:—
When tow'ring o'er the flatt'ring ring,
Thus spoke Judea's mighty king:
Bow'd to the monarch's well-earn'd fame:—
When tow'ring o'er the flatt'ring ring,
Thus spoke Judea's mighty king:
