But though the birds were thus in haste, The leaves came on not quite so fast, And Destiny, that sometimes bears An aspect stern on man's affairs, Not altogether smil❜d on theirs. The wind, of late breath'd gently forth, Now shifted east, and east by north; Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know, Could shelter them from rain or snow, Stepping into their nests, they paddled, Themselves were chill'd, their eggs were addled; Soon ev'ry father bird and mother Grew quarrelsome, and peck'd each other, Parted without the least regret, Except that they had ever met, And learn'd in future to be wiser, Than to neglect a good adviser.

MORAL.

Misses! the tale that I relate

This lesson seems to carryChoose not alone a proper mate,

But proper time to marry.

A

THE DOG AND THE WATER-LILY.

NO FABLE.

THE noon was shady, and soft airs

Swept Ouse's silent tide,

When, 'scap'd from literary cares,
I wander'd on his side.

My spaniel, prettiest of his race,

And high in pedigree,

1

(Two nymphs* adorn'd with ev'ry grace
That spaniel found for me)

Now wanton'd lost in flags and reeds,

Now starting into sight

Pursued the swallow o'er the meads

With scarce a slower flight.

It was the time when Ouse display'd
His lilies newly blown ;

Their beauties I intent survey'd
And one I wish'd my own,

* Sir Robert Gunning's daughters,

With cane extended far I sought toide tu8 To steer it close to land 36 sudawA But still the prize, though nearly caught, Escap'd my eager band.

cull ef

Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains

With fix'd consid'rate face,

And puzzling set his puppy brains
To comprehend the case.

But with a cherup clear and strong,
Dispersing all his dream,

I thence withdrew, and follow'd long
The windings of the stream.

My ramble ended, I return'd;
Beau, trotting far before,

The floating wreath again discern'd,
And plunging left the shore.

I saw him with that lily cropp'd

Impatient swim to meet

My quick approach, and soon he dropp'd

The treasure at my feet.

Charm'd with the sight, the world, I cried,
Shall hear of this thy deed:

My dog shall mortify the pride
Of man's superior breed:

But chief myself I will enjoin,
Awake at duty's call,

To show a love as prompt as thine
To Him who gives me all.

A a

AN Oyster, cast upon the shore, of Was heard, though never heard before, Complaining in a speech well worded, And worthy thus to be recorded a ba

Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell For ever in my native shell;

Ordain'd to move when others please,~

Not for my own content or ease;
But toss'd and buffetted about,
Now in the water and now out.
"Twere better to be born a stone,
Of ruder shape, and feeling none,
Than with a tenderness like mine,
And sensibilities so fine!

I envy that unfeeling shrub,

A

Fast-rooted against ev'ry rub.d/^ dariň The plant he meant grew not far off, I And felt the sneer with scorn enough;W Was hurt, disgusted, mortified, A wor And with asperity replied. 97A