(Gross names had they our plainer sires among,) There Arums, there Leontodons we view, And Artemisia grows, where Wormwood grew. But though no weed exists his garden round, From Rumex strong our Gardener frees his ground; 630 Takes soft Senicio from the yielding land, And grasps the arm'd Urtica in his hand. Not Darwin's self had more delight to sing Of floral courtship, in th' awaken'd Spring, Than Peter Pratt, who, simpering, loves to tell How rise the Stamens, as the Pistils swell; How bend and curl the moist-top to the spouse, And give and take the vegetable vows; How those esteem'd of old but tips and chives, Are tender husbands and obedient wives; 640 Who live and love within the sacred bower-- That bridal bed the vulgar term a flower. Hear Peter proudly, to some humble friend, A wondrous secret in his science lend:-- "Would you advance the nuptial hour, and bring The fruit of Autumn with the flowers of Spring: View that light frame where Cucumis lies spread, And trace the husbands in their golden bed, Three powder'd Anthers;--then no more delay, But to the Stigma's tip their dust convey; 650 Then by thyself, from prying glance secure, Twirl the full tip and make your purpose sure; A long-abiding race the deed shall pay, Nor one unbless'd abortion pine away." T' admire their friend's discourse our swains agree, And call it science and philosophy. 'Tis good, 'tis pleasant, through th' advancing year, To see unnumber'd growing forms appear. What leafy-life from Earth's broad bosom rise! What insect-myriads seek the summer skies! 660 What scaly tribes in every streamlet move! } What plumy people sing in every grove! } All with the year awaked to life, delight, and love. } Then names are good; for how, without their aid, Is knowledge, gain'd by man, to man convey'd? But from that source shall all our pleasures flow? Shall all our knowledge be those names to know? Then he, with memory bless'd, shall bear away The palm from Grew, and Middleton, and Ray. No! let us rather seek, in grove and field, 670 What food for wonder, what for use they yield; Some just remark from Nature's people bring, And some new source of homage for her King.