Classic Poem

I would not study Nature's lore
In books, or cabinets displayed;
But hill, and wood, and beach explore,
Where lessons ne'er from memory fade.

In the dry leaf, and scentless flower
I scarce the rose, or violet know;
But in the field, or leafy bower,
How sweet they smell! how bright they glow!

The pearly shell no longer shines,
From the sea-shore borne far away;
The crystals of the deep, dark mine
No more their sparkling light display.

The butterflies on rainbow wings
I watch as here and there they rove,
Or listen as some songster sings,
And fills with music all the grove.

Their stiff, dead forms with pain I see,
The beauteous bird's unruffled breast;
The butterflies, once roving free,
With wings forevermore at rest!

No longer now they lessons teach,
Such as from Nature's self I learn;
So to the fields, and pebbly beach
From Science' joyless halls I turn.