I am older than the Pyramids, yet continually made new. In infancy I am
of a cold disposition, but in youth am heated with passion, and I then
usually acquire a permanent blush. My composition is very peculiar: I am
made up of the head of an insect and the tail of an alligator joined to
an organ, a sea, and part of a monkey. If the insect is exchanged for a
vegetable, I may hurt you; if it is replaced by a Chinese plant, I may
deceive you. I am found in the homes of the poor and humble, in the
palaces of princes, in the temples of religion, and in the low places of
the earth. I have assisted in the worship of the true God, and in the
extravagant rites of the heathen. I often support insignificant and
contemptible undertakings, yet I once took part in the most ambitions
and presumptuous enterprise of mankind. Usually peaceful in disposition,
I have caused the death of rioters, and once excited a mighty rebellion.
Though used to rough treatment at the hands of ignorant men, I am highly
esteemed and much sought for by learned scholars. By my aid rivers are
spanned, tunnels strengthened, prisoners held in captivity, and iron
industries rendered possible; without me, many would lose their
livelihood, and London would be desolate. Finally, I am most useful when
in bed.
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