A FABLE. A RAVEN, while with glossy breast The legislature call'd it May. But suddenly a wind, as high As ever swept a winter sky, Shook the young leaves about her ears, Lest the rude blast should snap the bough, And spread her golden hopes below. 10 But just at eve the blowing weather, And all her fears were hush'd together: And now, quoth poor unthinking Ralph, 'Tis over, and the brood is safe; (For ravens, though as birds of omen They teach both conj'rers 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 mark'd her airy lodge, And destin'd all the treasure there A gift to his expecting fair, Climb'd like a squirrel to his dray, And bore the worthless prize away. MORAL. "Tis Providence alone secures In ev'ry change both mine and yours: Safety consists not in escape From dangers of a frightful shape; 20 30 An earthquake may be bid to spare But in the sunshine strikes the blow. A COMPARISON. 39 THE lapse of time and rivers is the same, And a wide ocean swallows both at last. Though each resemble each in ev'ry part, A diff'rence strikes at length the musing heart; Streams never flow in vain; where streams abound How laughs the land with various plenty crown'd! But time, that should enrich the nobler mind, Neglected leaves a dreary waste behind. 12 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, With gentle yet prevailing force, Graceful and useful all she does, Blessing and blest where'er she goes, And Heav'n reflected in her face. 10 THE POET'S NEW-YEAR'S-GIFT. ΤΟ MRS. (NOW LADY) THROCKMORTON. MARIA! I have ev'ry good For thee wish'd many a time, Both sad, and in a cheerful mood, To wish thee fairer is no need, More prudent, or more sprightly, Or more ingenious, or more freed What favour then not yet possess'd Can I for thee require, In wedded love already blest, To thy whole heart's desire? 10 |