THE LINNETS.

HOW oft instruction pure is hid
In nature, which, did passion bid,
We'd strive with ardor to obtain,

Thinking possession richest gain.
And shall there nought but passion guide,
Along life's dang'rous, treach'rous tide!
May not that pleasure reason weds,
Which Heav'nly virtue ne'er forbids,

Some part of our attention claim !

If so, let wisdom be our aim.

Wisdom is ours if we but will,

Her precepts murmur in the rill,

Along the vale they flow at ease,

s

Through groves, by fountains grown with trees; On breezes borne they whisper round,

And e'en are written on the ground;

Or, if from earthly scenes asunder,

Our vision higher loves to wander,

We find them mingled with the gleam

Of morning and of ev'ning beam; Flowing from Sol's meridian height, From Cynthia's milder glow at night : Among the stars they twinkling rove, As well as wander in the grove.

Their flock, a little linnet pair,

Was fitting, to attempt the air.
With parent hearts they also strove

(Combining both in mutual love,)
Advice to fix in tender mind,

Impressions best for good design'd ;
That they might happy sail along
Amid the various feather'd throng,
And sing harmoniously the while,
Shunning those dangers that beguile
So many from the happy course,
By dint of strong temptation's force.

The father thus advice began,

Such as would well become a man,

"When mid the leaves my head is laid,

"And you are flying round the groves,

"In all the warmth of early loves, "Remember what I now impress,

"And be your sum of evils less."

"Many your friendship will invite,

"When first you enter on the sight "Of scenes, so oft pourtray'd to you, "As if with constancy most true,

"They meant your active friends to live,

"And every joy they could to give :

"But pause before your bosom first
"Receives e'en one to friendly trust,--

"Examine well if fruits as fair

"As their pretensions, actions bear.

"For some of those who smile so well,

"As if a heart of love they'd tell,

"Would only your best hopes destroy

"And make you fall a playful toy,

"For their own malice: these, on earth.

"But few you'll find, of mortal birth!

"Some others would your friendship gain, "By bowing, cringing, humble mien-"Those always watch, they're flatterers, who, "Can never be accounted true."

"Then more, by far a greater number,

"With your suspicions lull'd to slumber,
*Would half way friendly to you prove,
"And act with tolerable love-

"While all their meaning is (told true)
"Themselves to nicely serve thro' you!
"These too you'll watch, but value them,

"So far as they may stedfast seem

After due trial, none despise,

Because one fault they have, but eyes

And reason too you well will use,

That they sha'nt injure if they chuse.

"But yet of birds a happier kind,

True to their friendly smiles you'll find,

Will always prove a treasure good,

"As to its vale the passing flood.

"They'll mark your faults (for faults you'll have

"As certain as you'll have a grave :)

* And to yourselves with good intent,

"Your dangers they will shew, and vent, "Not malice, but a just concern,

"Lest you in pain experience learn.

"Yes, tho' they're sure themselves to harm,

66

They'll give you timely good alarm,

"That you may leave the erring course,

"And shun temptation's fatal force :

"When these you find, you'll hold their love,

"More precious than the blossom'd grove.
They'll keep you in the happy way,
"And cause you many a smiling day.

"Cringe to no bird that wings the air, "Tho' like the hawk he death prepare ; "But modestly respect you'll pay "To your superiors in the way,

"And every one, with aspect mild

"Regard, and mark the humble child