TIO

FAVOURITE FABLES.

FABLE LXXX.
THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK.

As an old Hen led forth her train,

And seemed to peck, to show the grain;

She raked the chaff, she scratched the ground,
And gleaned the spacious yard around.

A giddy chick, to try her wings,

On the well’s narrow margin springs,

And prone she drops. The mother’s breast
All day with sorrow was possessed.

A Cock she met—her son, she knew;
And in her heart affection grew.

“‘ My son,”’ says she, “‘I grant, your years
Have reached beyond a mother’s cares ;
I see you vigorous, strong, and bold;
I hear, with joy, your triumphs told.
’Tis not from Cocks thy fate I dread;
But let thy ever-wary tread
Avoid yon well; that fatal place
Is sure perdition to our race.