THE DOG AND THE WATERLILY. NO FABLE. THE noon was shady, and soft airs My spaniel, prettiest of his race, (Two nymphs adorn'd with every 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 It was the time when Ouse display'd With cane extended far I sought To steer it close to land; But still the prize, though nearly caught, Escaped my eager hand. 40. DOG AND THE WATERLILY. Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains But with a cherup clear and strong, I thence withdrew, and follow'd long My ramble ended, I return'd: The floating wreath again discern'd, I saw him with that lily cropp'd 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 But chief myself I will enjoin, To show a love as prompt as thine ON A SPANIEL, CALLED BEAU, KILLING A YOUNG BIRD. 1793. A SPANIEL, Beau, that fares like you, Well fed, and at his ease, Should wiser be than to pursue Each trifle that he sees. But you have kill'd a tiny bird, Nor did you kill that you might eat For him, though chased with furious heat, Nor was he of the thievish sort, BEAU'S REPLY. SIR, when I flew to seize the bird A louder voice than yours I heard, 42 ON A SPANIEL, CALLED BEAU. You cried-Forbear-but in my breast Yet much as Nature I respect, I ventured once to break Had flutter'd all his strength away, I only kiss'd his ruffled wing, And lick'd the feathers smooth. Nor some reproof yourself refuse What think you, Sir, of killing Time THE DOVES. REASONING at every step he treads, While meaner things, whom instinct leads, One silent eve I wander'd late, Our mutual bond of faith and truth While innocence without disguise, Shall fill the circles of those eyes, Those ills, that wait on all below, |