FOR CHILDREN. 183

You cried—forbear !—but in my breast
A mightier cried—proceed !

"Twas Nature, Sir, whose strong behest
Impelled me to the deed.

Yet, much as Nature I respect,
I ventured once to break

(As you, perhaps, may recollect, )
Her precept for your sake ;

And when your linnet, on a day,
Passing his prison door,

Had fluttered all his strength away,
And panting, pressed the floor ;

Well knowing him a sacred thing,
Not destined to my tooth,

I only kissed his ruffled wing,
And licked his feathers smooth.

Let my obedience then excuse
My disobedience now,
Nor some reproof yourself refuse
From your aggrieved bow-wow ;
If killing birds be such a crime,
(Which I can hardly see,)
What think you, Sir, of killing time
With verse addressed to me ?
Cowper.

 

INDIA.
Wuere sacred Ganges pours along the plain,
And Indus rolls to swell the eastern main,
What awful scenes the curious mind delight,
What wonders burst upon the dazzled sight !