The Cricket, a Harbinger of Good. II. Thus thy praise shall be exprest, While the rat is on the scout, Ev'ry dish, and spoil the best ; Thou hast all thine heart's desire. III. Though in voice and shape they be Thou surpassest, happier far, Belinda and her Parrot. IV. Neither night, nor dawn of day, Puts a period to thy play: Sing then-and extend thy span Far beyond the date of man. Wretched man, whose years are spent In repining discontent, Lives not, aged though he be, Half a span compar'd with thee. IV. THE PARROT. I. In painted plumes superbly drest, A native of the gorgeous east, By many a billow tost; Poll gains at length the British shore, Part of the captain's precious storeA present to his toast. Belinda's Parrot made a Wit. II. Belinda's maids are soon preferr'd As Poll can master it; But 'tis her own important charge To qualify him more at large, And make him quite a wit. III Sweet Poll! his doating mistress cries, Sweet Poll! the mimic bird replies, And calls aloud for sack. She next instructs him in the kiss; 'Tis now a little one, like Miss, And now a hearty smack. IV. At first he aims at what he hears; And, list'ning close with both his ears, Just catches at the sound; But soon articulates aloud, Much to th' amusement of the crowd, And stuns the neighbours round. Belinda and her Bird a well matched Pair. V. A querulous old woman's voice His hum'rous talent next employs He scolds, and gives the lie. And now he sings, and now is sick Here Sally, Susan, come, come quick ; Poor Poll is like to die! VI. Belinda and her bird! 'tis rare To meet with such a well match'd pair, Each character in ev'ry part And both in unison. VII. When children first begin to spell, We think them tedious creatures; When birds are to be taught to prate, Affliction shows the same Sadness every where. THE SHRUBBERY. WRITTEN IN A TIME OF AFFLICTION. I. Он, happy shades--to me unblest! II. This glassy stream, that spreading pine, Those alders quiv'ring to the breeze, Might sooth a soul less hurt than mine, And please, if any thing could please. III. But fix'd unalterable care Foregoes not what she feels within, Shows the same sadness ev'ry where, And slights the season and the scene. |