And Dick felt some desires, The open windows seem'd t' invite For, settling on his grated roof, He chirp'd and kiss'd him, giving proof Nor would forsake his cage at last, Oh! ye, who never knew the joys Blush, when I tell you how a bird FABLE LIV. THE HERMIT, OR, THE MORALIZER CORRECTED. By Cowper. A HERMIT (or, if 'chance you hold And, staff in hand, set forth to share And from the trees that fring'd the hill, A western bank's still sunny side, In hope to bask a little yet, Just reach'd it when the sun was set. Your Hermit, young and jovial Sirs! Learns something from whate'er occurs And Hence,' he said, 'my mind computes 'The real worth of man's pursuits. 'His object chosen, wealth or fame, • Presents it deck'd with every hue His powers of best exertion there, But youth, health, vigour to expend 'On so desirable an end. Ere long approach life's evening shades, The glow that fancy gave it fades; And, earn'd too late, it wants the grace, 'Which first engag'd him in the chace.' One, seeming an angelic guide, Attendant at the Senior's side, Must cause him shame or discontent; 'Successful there he wins a curse; 6 Endeavours laudable engage, Is paid, at least in peace of mind, And sense of having well design'd; 'And, if, ere he attain his end, His sun precipitate descend, 'A brighter prize than that he meant FABLE LV. THE POET, THE OYSTER AND SENSITIVE PLANT. By Cowper. AN Oyster, cast upon the shore; Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell For ever in my native shell; 'Ordain'd to move when others please, 3 6 Than with a tenderness like mine, 'And sensibilities so fine! 'I envy that unfeeling shrub, 'When,' cry the botanists, and stare, To make them grow just where she chuses. 'You shapeless nothing in a dish, You that are but almost a fish, I scorn your coarse insinuation, And have most plentiful occasion To wish myself the rock I view, 'Or such another dolt as you : For many a grave and learned clerk, And many a gay unletter'd spark, . With curious touch examines me, If I can fret as well as he; And, when I bend, retire and shrink, 'Says-Well, 'tis more than one would think! Thus life is spent (oh, fie upon 't) In being touch'd, and crying-Don't!' O'erheard, and check'd this idle talk. And your fine sense,' he said, ' and your's, 'Whatever evil it endures, |