Entreated, opening wide his beak, A moment's liberty to speak; My friends! be cautious how ye treat I fear we shall have winter yet. A Finch, whose tongue knew no control, A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried Opposite in the apple tree, By his good will would keep us single Or (which is likelier to befall) Till death exterminate us all. My dear Dick Redcap, what say you? Dick heard, and tweedling, ogling, bridling, Turning short round, strutting, and sideling, Attested, glad, his approbation Of an immediate conjugation. All pair'd, and each pair built a nest. But though the birds were thus in haste, The leaves came on not quite so fast, And destiny, that sometimes bears 232 PAIRING TIME ANTICIPATED. An aspect stern on man's affairs, MORAL. Misses! the tale that I relate THE DOG AND THE WATER LILY. NO FABLE. THE noon was shady, and soft airs My spaniel, prettiest of his race, (Two nymphs1 adorn'd with every 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 It was the time when Ouse display'd Their beauties I intent survey'd, With cane extended far I sought VOL. I. 1 Sir Robert Gunning's daughters. 22 Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains But with a cherup clear and strong I thence withdrew, and follow'd long My ramble ended, I return'd; The floating wreath again discern'd, 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. But chief myself I will enjoin, To show a love as prompt as thine THE WINTER NOSEGAY. WHAT nature, alas! has denied And winter is deck'd with a smile. See, Mary, what beauties I bring From the shelter of that sunny shed, Where the flowers have the charms of the spring, Though abroad they are frozen and dead. "Tis a bower of Arcadian sweets, Where Flora is still in her prime, A fortress to which she retreats From the cruel assaults of the clime. While earth wears a mantle of snow, These pinks are as fresh and as gay As the fairest and sweetest that blow On the beautiful bosom of May. See how they have safely survived Seem'd graced with a livelier hue, The truth of a friend such as you. |