32

FAVOURITE FABLES.

At length, a Bullfinch, who could boast
More years and wisdom than the most,
Entreated, opening wide his beak,

A moment’s liberty to speak ;
And, silence publicly enjoined,
Delivered briefly thus his mind:

‘“‘ 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
What marriage means, thus pert replied:

‘** Methinks, the gentleman,’’ quoth she,
‘“‘ Opposite, in the apple-tree,
By his good will, would keep us single,
Till yonder heaven and earth shall mingle;
Or (which is likelier to befall)
Till death exterminate us all.
I marry without more ado;
My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?”