Beattie, James: Laws

Laws, as we read in ancient sages,          

Have been like cobwebs in all ages.        

Cobwebs for little flies are spread,          

And laws for little folks are made;          

But if an insect of renown,                      

Hornet or beetle, wasp or drone,             

Be caught in quest of sport or plunder,   

The flimsy fetter flies in sunder.