Two goldfinches, whose sprightly song Had been their mutual solace long, Liv'd happy pris'ners there. They sang, as blithe as finches sing And frolic where they list; Strangers to liberty, 'tis true, But that delight they never knew, But nature works in ev'ry breast; And Dick felt some desires, Which, after many an effort vain, A pass between his wires. The open windows seem'd to invite The freeman to a farewell flight; But Tom was still confin'd; And Dick, although his way was clear, Was much too gen'rous and sincere To leave his friend behind. For, settling on his grated roof, He chirp'd and kiss'd him, giving proof That he desir'd no more; Nor would forsake his cage at last, Till gently seiz'd I shut him fast, Oh A pris'ner as before. ye, who never knew the joys. Of Friendship, satisfied with noise, Fandango, ball and rout! Blush, when I tell you how a bird, A prison, with a friend, preferr'd To liberty without. PAIRING TIME ANTICIPATED, A FABLE. I SHALL not ask Jean Jacques Rousseau", If birds confabulate or no; "Tis clear that they were always able To hold discourse, at least, in fable; And ev'n the child who knows no better, Than to interpret by the letter, A story of a cock and bull, Must have a most uncommon skull. It chanc'd then, on a winter's day, But warm and bright, and calm as a May, " It was one of the whimsical speculations of this philosopher, that all fables which ascribe reason and speech to animals, should be withheld from children, as being only vehicles of deception. But what child was ever deceived by them, or can be, against the evidence of his senses? The birds, conceiving a design To forestal sweet St. Valentine, In many an orchard, copse, and grove, Assembled on affairs of love, And with much twitter and much chatter, Began to agitate the matter. At length a Bulfinch, who could boast And, silence publicly enjoin'd, Deliver'd briefly thus his mind. My friends! be cautious how ye treat The subject upon which we meet; I fear we shall have winter yet. A Finch, whose tongue knew no control, With golden wing and satin pole, A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried What marriage means, thus pert replied. Methinks the gentleman, quoth she, Opposite in the apple-tree, By his good will, would keep us single Till yonder heav'n and earth shall mingle, Till death exterminate us all. I marry without more ado, 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. Their sentiments so well express'd, Influenc'd mightily the rest, All pair'd, and each pair built a nest. But though the birds were thus in haste, And destiny, that sometimes bears Not altogether smil'd on theirs. |