THE DOG AND THE WATER-LILY.

NO FABLE.

THE noon was shady, and soft airs

Swept Ouse's silent tide,
When, 'scap'd from literary cares,

I wander'd on his side.

My spaniel, prettiest of his race,

And high in pedigree,

(Two nymphs* adorn'd with ev'ry grace
That spaniel found for me)

Now wanton'd 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 display'd
His lilies newly blown ;

Their beauties I intent survey'd
And one I wish'd my own.

* Sir Robert Ganning's daughters.

With cane extended far I sought

To steer it close to land;

But still the prize, though nearly caught, Escap'd my eager hand.

Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains

With fix'd consid❜rate face,
And puzzling set his puppy brains
To comprehend the case.

But with a cherup clear and strong,
Dispersing all his dream,

i thence withdrew, and follow'd long
The windings of the stream.

My ramble ended, I return'd;
Beau, trotting far before,

The floating wreath again discern'd,
And plunging left the shore.

I saw him with that lily cropp'd

Impatient swim to meet

My quick approach, and soon he dropp'd

The treasure at my feet.

Charm'd with the sight, the world, I cried, Shall hear of this thy deed:

My dog shall mortify the pride

Of man's superior breed:

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.

THE POET, THE OYSTER, AND SENSITIVE PLANT.

AN Oyster, cast upon the shore,
Was heard, though never heard before,
Complaining in a speech well worded,
And worthy thus to be recorded-

Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell For ever in my native shell;

Ordain'd to move when others please,

Not for my own content or ease;
But toss'd and buffetted about,

Now in the water and now out.
"Twere better to be born a stone,
Of ruder shape, and feeling none,
Than with a tenderness like mine,
And sensibilities so fine!

I envy that unfeeling shrub,

Fast-rooted against ev'ry rub.

The plant he meant grew not far off,
And felt the sneer with scorn enough;

Was hurt, disgusted, mortified,

And with asperity replied.

When, cry the botanists, and stare, Did plants call'd sensitive grow there? No matter when-a poet's muse is

To make them grow just where she chooses.
You shapeless nothing in a dish,

You that are but almost a fish,
I scorn your coarse insinuation,
And have most plentiful occasion,
To wish myself the rock I view,
Or such another dolt as you:
For many a grave and learned clerk,
And many a gay unletter'd spark,
With curious touch examines me,
If I can feel as well as he;

And when I bend, retire, and shrink,
Says-Well, 'tis more than one would think!
Thus life is spent (oh fie upon't!)

In being touch'd, and crying-Don't!
A poet, in his ev'ning walk,

O'erheard and check'd this idle talk.

And your fine sense, he said, and yours,

Whatever evil it endures,

Deserves not, if so soon offended,

Much to be pitied or commended.
Disputes, though short, are far too long,
Where both alike are in the wrong;
Your feelings in their full amount,

Are all upon your own account.