Aeronautics

"According to the theory of aerodynamics, as may be readily demonstrated through wind tunnel experiments, the bumblebee is unable to fly. This is because the size, weight and shape of his body in relation to the total wingspread make flying impossible. But the bumblebee, being ignorant of these scientific truths, goes ahead and flies anyway—and makes a little honey every day."

"For I dipt into the future far as human eye could see, Saw the Vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be; Saw the heavens fill with commerce, argosies of magic sails, Pilots of the purple twilight, dropping down with costly bales; Heard the heavens fill with shouting, and there rain'd a ghastly dew From the nations' airy navies grappling in the central blue."

"Let brisker youths their active nerves prepare Fit their light silken wings and skim the buxom air."

"He rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind."

"Wal, I like flyin' well enough," He said, "but the' ain't sich a thundern' sight O' fun in't when ye come to light."

"Darius was clearly of the opinion That the air is also man's dominion And that with paddle or fin or pinion, We soon or late shall navigate The azure as now we sail the sea."

"The birds can fly, an' why can't I? Must we give in," says he with a grin, "That the bluebird an' phœbe are smarter 'n we be?"