THE DOG AND THE WATER-LILY. NO FABLE. THE noon was shady, and soft airs My spaniel, prettiest of his race, And high in pedigree, (Two nymphs adorned with every grace, 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, Escaped my eager hand. Beau marked my unsuccessful pains With fixed considerate face, And puzzling set his puppy brains But with a cherup clear and strong I thence withdrew, and followed long 5 ΙΟ 15 20 25 My ramble ended, I returned, Beau trotting far before, The floating wreath again discerned, I saw him, with that lily cropped, Impatient swim to meet 30 My quick approach, and soon he dropped 35 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.' 40 ON THE DEATH OF MRS. THROCK- YE nymphs! if e'er your eyes were red Her favourite, even in his cage, Where Rhenus strays his vines among, Or only with a whistle blessed, Well taught, he all the sounds expressed 5 ΙΟ The honours of his ebon poll Were brighter than the sleekest mole; With which Aurora decks the skies, Above, below, in all the house, And Bully's cage supported stood Well latticed-but the grate, alas! But smooth with wands from Ouse's side, 15 20 25 30 Night veiled the pole; all seemed secure ; Subsistence to provide, A beast forth sallied on the scout, Long backed, long tailed, with whiskered snout, He, entering at the study door, Its ample area 'gan explore; And something in the wind Conjectured, sniffing round and round, Just then, by adverse fate impressed, 35 40 In sleep he seemed to view For aided both by ear and scent, Ah, Muse! forbear to speak Minute the horrors that ensued; His teeth were strong, the cage was wood- 45 50 RECEIPT OF MY MOTHER'S PICTURE OUT OF NORFOLK, THE GIFT OF MY COUSIN, ANN BODHAM. OH that those lips had language! Life has passed 5 'Grieve not, my child, chase all thy fears away!' I will obey, not willingly alone, But gladly, as the precept were her own: A momentary dream, that thou art she. My mother! when I learned that thou wast dead, Perhaps thou gavest me, though unfelt, a kiss; ΙΟ 15 20 25 30 But was it such ?—It was.-Where thou art gone 35 Thy maidens grieved themselves at my concern, Till, all my stock of infant sorrow spent, |