Bernard Barton (1784–1849)

THE BUTTERFLY, which sports on gaudy wing;

The brawling brooklet, lost in foam and spray,

As it goes dancing on its idle way;

The sunflower, in broad daylight glistening;

Are types of her who in the festive ring

Lives but to bask in fashion’s vain display,

And glittering through her bright but useless day,

“Flaunts, and goes down a disregarded thing!”

Thy emblem, Lucy, is the busy bee,

Whose industry for future hours provides;

The gentle streamlet, gladding as it glides

Unseen along; the flower which gives the lea

Fragrance and loveliness, are types of thee,

And of the active worth thy modest merit hides.