Classic Poem

I saw a little boy who made
A ship of fluff with flags arrayed,
And he rejoiced in it how gladly!
Then came a glum old sage, and he
Said ship and flag were trumpery;
He proved it — gone was all the glee.
Ah, but the sage had acted badly!

The boy then tried another hope,
And in a bowl dissolving soap,
He blew a gaily tinted bubble.
The sage cried out: " How can you dare?
Your mortal fate is symbolled there. "
It sank, the boy was in despair.
How came the sage to cause this trouble?

Ye over-clever of our earth,
How little thanks your zeal is worth,
Which holds the glass of truth before us
To snare us all in learning's net!
We are but children, therefore let
Us keep our foolish playthings yet
In happiness, while you ignore us!