A FABLE. A RAVEN, While with glossy breast If quite exempted from the same) But suddenly a wind as high, As ever swept a winter sky, Shook the young leaves about her ears, And filled her with a thousand fears, Lest the rude blast should snap the bough, And spread her golden hopes below. But just at eve the blowing weather, And all her fears were hushed together: And now, quoth poor unthinking Ralph, 'Tis over, and the brood is safe; (For ravens, though as birds of omen They teach both conjurers and old women To tell us what is to befall, Can't prophesy themselves at all.) The morning came when neighbour Hodge, Who long had marked her airy lodge, And destined all the treasure there A gift to his expecting fair, Climbed like a squirrel to his dray, MORAL. "Tis Providence alone secures In every change both mine and your's: Safety consists not in escape From dangers of a frightful shape; Fate steals along with silent tread, A COMPARISON. THE lapse of time and rivers is the same, And a wide ocean swallows both at last. Though each resemble each in every part, But time, that should enrich the nobler mind, ANOTHER. ADDRESSED TO A YOUNG LADY. Sweet stream, that winds thro' yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid— Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng; With gentle yet prevailing force, Intent upon her destined course; Graceful and useful all she does, Blessing and blest where'er she goes, And heaven reflected in her face. THE POET'S NEW-YEAR'S GIFT. ΤΟ MRS. (NOW LADY) THROCKMORTON. MARIA! I have every good For thee wished many a time, Both sad, and in a cheerful mood, To wish thee fairer is no need, What favour then not yet possessed Can I for thee require, In wedded love already blest, To thy whole heart's desire? |