The Kite; Or, Pride Must Have a Fall
Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 798
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Once on a time a paper kite In vain it try'd to soar away;
Was mounted to a wondrous height, Unable its own weight to bear,
Where giddy with its elevation, It flutter'd downward through the air;
It thus expressed self admiration:- Unaple [Unable] its own course to guide,
"See how yon crowds of gazing people The winds soon plung'd it in the tide.
Admire my flight above the steeple; Ah! foolish kite, thou hast no wing,
How would they wonder if they knew How couldst thou fly without a string?
All that a kite like me could do! My heart reply'd 'O Lord! I see
Were I but free, I'd take a flight, How much this kite resembles me.
And pierce the clouds beyond their sight: Forgetful that by thee I stand,
But, ah! like a poor pris'ner bound, Impatient of thy ruling hand;
My string confines me near the ground: How oft I've wish'd to break the lines
I'd brave the eagle's tow'ring wing, Thy wisdom for my lost assigns!
Might I but fly without a string.' How oft indulg'd a vain desire
It tugg'd and pull'd, while thus it spoke, For something more, or something higher!
To break the string,-at last it broke, And, but for grace and love divine,
Depriv'd at once of all its stay, A fall thus dreadful had been mine.
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