The open drawer was left, I see, Merely to prove a nest for me. 55 For soon as I was well composed, Then came the maid, and it was closed. How smooth these 'kerchiefs, and how sweet! Oh, what a delicate retreat! 60 I will resign myself to rest Till Sol, declining in the west, Shall call to supper, when, no doubt, That night, by chance, the poet watching, Heard an inexplicable scratching; His noble heart went pit-a-pat, And to himself he said "What's that?" 80 He drew the curtain at his side, And forth he peeped, but nothing spied; Yet, by his ear directed, guessed And, doubtful what, with prudent care 85 Saluting his poetic ears, Consoled him, and dispelled his fears; 90 For 'tis a truth well known to most, 95 That whatsoever thing is lost, We seek it, ere it come to light, In every cranny but the right. Forth skipped the cat, not now replete 100 Nor in her own fond apprehension A theme for all the world's attention, MORAL. Beware of too sublime a sense Of your own worth and consequence. That all around in all that's done Must move and act for him alone, Will learn in school of tribulation 105 IIO 115 THE DOG AND THE WATER-LILY. NO FABLE. THE noon was shady, and soft airs When, 'scaped from literary cares, I wandered on his side. My spaniel, prettiest of his race, 1 (Two nymphs 1 adorned with every grace That spaniel found for me), Now wantoned, 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 displayed His lilies newly blown ; Their beauties I intent surveyed And one I wished my own. With cane extended far, I sought To steer it close to land; But still the prize, though nearly caught, Beau marked my unsuccessful pains With fixed considerate face, And puzzling set his puppy brains To comprehend the case. 1 Sir Robert Gunning's daughters. Р 5 ΙΟ 15 20 But with a cherup clear and strong Dispersing all his dream, I thence withdrew, and followed long 25 Charmed with the sight, "The world," I cried, "Shall hear of this thy deed: My dog shall mortify the pride 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." 5. TRANSLATIONS. THE SNAIL. To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall, The Snail sticks close, nor fears to fall, As if he grew there, house and all Together. 40 Within that house secure he hides, Of weather. Give but his horns the slightest touch, Where'er he dwells, he dwells alone, Whole treasure. Thus, hermit-like, his life he leads, And if he meets one, only feeds 5 ΙΟ 15 The faster. Who seeks him must be worse than blind (He and his house are so combined) If, finding it, he fails to find Its master. THE JACKDAW. THERE is a bird who by his coat, A great frequenter of the church, And dormitory too. 20 5 |