Once on a time a paper kite
Was mounted to a wondrous height,

Where, giddy with its elevation,
It thus express'd self-admiration:

"See how yon crowds of gazing people
Admire my flight above the steeple;

How would they wonder if they knew
All that a kite like me can do!

Were I but free, I'd take a flight,
And pierce the clouds beyond their sight,

But, ah! like a poor pris'ner bound,
My string confin…