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A TALE.*

IN Scotland's realms, where trees are few,
Nor even shrubs abound;
But where, however bleak the view,
Some better things are found;

For husband there and wife may boast
Their union undefiled,

And false ones are as rare almost

As hedgerows in the wild

*This tale is founded on an article which appeared in the Buckinghamshire Herald, Saturday, June 1, 1793:— Glasgow, May 23. In a block, or pulley, near the head of the mast of a gabert, now lying at the Broomielaw, there is a chaffinch's nest and four eggs. The nest was built while the vessel lay at Greenock, and was followed hither by both birds. Though the block is occasionally lowered for the inspection of the curious, the birds have not forsaken the nest. The cock, however, visits the nest but seldom, while the hen never leaves it, but when she descends to the hull for food."

VOL. VIII.

B

In Scotland's realm forlorn and bare

The history chanced of late

The history of a wedded pair,
A chaffinch and his mate.

The spring drew near, each felt a breast With genial instinct fill'd;

They pair'd, and would have built a nest, But found not where to build.

The heaths uncover'd and the moors
Except with snow and sleet,
Sea-beaten rocks and naked shores
Could yield them no retreat.

Long time a breeding-place they sought,
Till both grew vex'd and tired;

At length a ship arriving brought
The good so long desired.

A ship?-could such a restless thing
Afford them place of rest?

Or was the merchant charged to bring
The homeless birds a nest?

Hush-silent hearers profit most-
This racer of the sea

Proved kinder to them than the coast,
It served them with a tree.

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