224. THE DOG AND THE WATERLILY. It was the time when Ouse display'd Their beauties I intent survey'd, And one I wish'd my own. With cane extended far I sought But still the prize, though nearly caught, 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 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 ON A SPANIEL, CALLED BEAU. 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. ON A SPANIEL, CALLED BEAU, 1793. A SPANIEL, Beau, that fares like you, But have kill'd a tiny bird, you Which flew not till to-day, Nor did you kill that you might eat For him, though chased with furious heat, Nor was he of the thievish sort, My dog! what remedy remains, 225 BEAU'S REPLY. SIR, when I flew to seize the bird You cried-Forbear-but in my breast Yet much as Nature I respect, And when your linnet on a day, Had flutter'd all his strength away, Well knowing him a sacred thing, Let my obedience then excuse If killing birds be such a crime What think you, Sir, of killing Time, With verse address'd to me? THE DOVES. REASONING at every step he treads, One silent eve I wander'd late, Our mutual bond of faith and truth While innocence without disguise, Shall fill the circles of those eyes, Those ills that wait on all below Or gently felt, and only so, As being shared with thee. When lightnings flash among the trees, I fear lest thee alone they seize, And know no other fear. "Tis then I feel myself a wife, And press thy wedded side, But oh! if, fickle and unchaste No need of lightning from on high, eye, Thus sang the sweet sequester'd bird, And I recorded what I heard, THE FAITHFUL BIRD. THE greenhouse is my summer seat; My shrubs displaced from that retreat Enjoy'd the open air; Two goldfinches, whose sprightly song They sang as blithe as finches sing |