My friends! be cautious how ye treat The subject upon which we meet; I fear we shall have winter yet. A Finch, whose tongue knew no control, With golden wing and satin poll, A last year's bird, who ne'er had tried By his good will would keep us single Till yonder Heav'n and Earth shall mingle, Or (which is likelier to befall) Till death exterminate us all. My dear Dick,Redcap, what say you? 30 Dick heard, and tweedling, ogling, bridling, Turning short round, strutting and sideling, Attested, glad, his approbation Of an immediate conjugation. 40 Their sentiments so well express'd Influenc'd mightily the rest, All pair'd, and each pair built a nest. But though the birds were thus in haste, The wind, of late breath'd gently forth, Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know, Could shelter them from rain or snow, Stepping into their nests, they paddled, Themselves were chill'd, their eggs were addled; Soon ev'ry father bird and mother Grew quarrelsome, and peck'd each other, Parted without the least regret, 50 Except that they had ever met, And learn'd in future to be wiser, 60 Than to neglect a good adviser. 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, d (Two nymphs adorn'd with ev'ry grace That spaniel found for me) Sir Robert Gunning's daughters. 65 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 Their beauties I intent survey'd, 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. 10 20 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 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; 30 40 |