“But now ’twas night, when even distraction wears A pleasing look, and dreams beguile our cares: Lo! the same oak appears before my eyes, Nor alter’d in his shape nor former size; As many ants the numerous branches bear, The same their labour and their frugal care; The branches too a like commotion found, And shook the industrious creatures on the ground, Who by degrees (what’s scarce to be believed) A nobler form and larger bulk received, And on the earth walk’d an unusual pace, With manly strides and an erected face: Their numerous legs and former colour lost, The insects could a human figure boast.