FABLE LXXXVII. THE MARTINS. The Anecdote on which this Fable is founded, is mentioned in Wood's Mosaic History of the Creation, 2nd Edition, page 477, Note. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians vi. 2. IN Lancashire, in Rampside town, The cleanings of her nest she threw And knock'd the nest down with her broom. But, oh! how great's parental love, All difficulties far above! And love of brothers too how great,- The Martins call'd their kind around, And from the pond's brink, where 'twas wet, And soon another nest arose Where the young outcasts might repose; The law of Christ commands each brother Would we for houseless neighbours build? The labour of his own dear hand? For shame! the friendly Martins view,- "Of the mode of building mud-houses in the county of Dumfries, the Author of the Statistical Account of the parish of Dornock, in that county, gives the following account: "The farm-houses in general, and all the cottages, are built of mud or clay; yet, these houses, when plaistered and properly finished within, (as many of them are,) are exceeding warm and comfortable. The manner of erecting them is singular. Ja the first place they dig out the foundation of the house, and lay a row or two of stones; then they procure from a pit contiguous, as much clay or brick-earth as is sufficient to form the walls: and having provided a quantity of straw or litter to mix with the clay, upon a day appointed, the whole neighbourhood, male and female, to the number of twenty or thirty, assemble, each with a dung-fork, a spade, or some such instrument. Some fall to working the clay or mud, by mixing it with straw; others carry the materials; and four or six of the most experienced hands, build, and take care of the walls. In this manner, the walls of the house are finished in a few hours.'"-Eden on the Poor, Vol. i. p. 553. FABLE LXXXVIII. THE GENEROUS DOG. The Anecdote on which this Fable is founded appeared in the London Papers in October 1819. Go to the Dog, thou Revenger, consider his ways and forgive. See Proverbs vi. 6. Love your enemies,-do good to them that hate you, and despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew v. 44. WHERE Paris stands, upon the Seine, Down deep he sunk, but soon did rise, Resolv'd, that, soon, depriv'd of breath, No. His dear master in the stream, He suffer'd it away to float, Then on his collar fast he seiz'd, And held him anxious up and pleas'd, Until assistance came at hand, And lodg'd both safely on the land. Oh! you, who bear the Christian name, And own not charity's warm flame, See love and instinct here prevail, The Gospel precepts which you learn, See him at once to practice turn, DO GOOD FOR EVIL, and FORGIVE, Like TRAY, and like TRUE CHRISTIANS live. FABLE LXXXIX. THE CAT AND HER MASTER. A POET mostly loves a Cat, And holds with her a deal of chat; His heart it never fails to cheer, A Poet mostly loves his tea, But of contentment and of quiet. A Poet, too-long since 'twas said Delights in—at least eats-brown bread *; But, then, no doubt, good Sir,' you mutter, That it plasticity acquire. "Tis, likewise, known the butter pat, Vivit siliquis et pane secundo. Horace, Epist. B. II. Ep. I. 1. 123. |