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The Violet and the Bee
by John Bannister Tabb
"And pray, who are you?"
Said the Violet blue
To the Bee, with surprise,
At his wonderful size,
In her eyeglass of dew.
"I, madam," quoth he,
"Am a publican Bee,
Collecting the tax
Of honey and wax.
Have you nothing for me?" |
Notes:
Biography. Reverend John B. Tabb (1845-1909), a Southern poet, was
born near Richmond, Virginia. All his life he was interested in birds,
flowers, and outdoor life. When the Civil War began, he joined the
Southern army, although he was a mere lad of sixteen. After the war he
became a clergyman and a teacher.
Discussion:
- What did the Violet ask the Bee?
- What surprised the
Violet?
- What is the Violet's "eyeglass of dew"?
- Find the meaning of: quoth, publican, and tax.
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