Would love the gleams of good that broke From either side, nor veil his eyes: And if some dreadful need should rise Would strike, and firmly, and one stroke: To-morrow yet would reap to-day, THE GOOSE. I. I KNEW an old wife lean and poor, Her rags scarce held together; There strode a stranger to the door, And it was windy weather. He held a goose upon 66 II. his arm, He utter'd rhyme and reason, Here, take the goose, and keep you warm, It is a stormy season." III. She caught the white goose by the leg, With cackle and with clatter. IV. She dropt the goose, and caught the pelf, V. And feeding high, and living soft, VI. So sitting, served by man and maid, She felt her heart grow prouder : But ah! the more the white goose laid It clack'd and cackled louder. VII. It clutter'd here, it chuckled there; VIII. "A quinsy choke thy cursed note!" 66 Then wax'd her anger stronger. Go, take the goose, and wring her throat, I will not bear it longer." IX. Then yelp'd the cur, and yawl'd the cat ; The goose flew this way and flew that, X. As head and heels upon the floor XI. He took the goose upon his arm, He utter'd words of scorning; "So keep you cold, or keep you warm, It is a stormy morning." XII. The wild wind rang from park and plain, And round the attics rumbled, Till all the tables danced again, And half the chimneys tumbled. |