THE VIPER AND THE LEECH.
By Sel.
“Strange!” said a Viper to a Leech,
“How differently by men we’re rated;
Tell me, my neighbor, I beseech,
Why you are sought and I am hated.” “You,” said the Leech, in prompt reply,
“If fame be not a false detractor,
Men deem their enemy; while I
Am cherished as their benefactor.” “What mighty difference they see,
That you should be the more inviting,”
The Viper answered, “puzzles me;
Since both alike are fond of biting!” “We both are biters, to be sure,”
The Leech replied, “but let me mention,
You bite to kill, and I to cure;
The difference lies in the intention.” To those who pain us with intent
To do us good, we should be grateful;
While those on spite and mischief bent,
We well may shun as base and hateful.
—Sel.