John Newton, who is famous for having written the hymn, "Amazing Grace," also wrote the following poem. The Kite and Its String Once on a time a paper kite Was mounted to a wondrous height, Where, giddy with its elevation, It thus expressed 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 confines me near the ground; I'd brave the eagle's towering wing, Might I but fly without a string." It tugged and pull, while thus it spoke, To break the string--at last it broke. Deprived at once of all its stay, In vain it tried to soar away; Unable its own weight to bear, It fluttered downward through the air; Unable its own course to guide, The winds soon plunged it in the tide. Ah! foolish kite, thou hadst no wing, How could'st...