THE COCK AND THE DUCK. "Cock-a-doodle! It's true, and he did it for you, Sweetest Duck, though he'd many demurs." 81 To the Cock said the Duck, "Your legs under you tuck, And sit on the top of the pond; I like you since now you resemble a duck, But when you can swim I'll grow fond." Said the Cock, "Dearest Duckie, I'm rather afraid, For I haven't got webs to my feet, It isn't my fault, for I am as I'm made; But here goes for the sake of my sweet.” So the Cock tuck'd his legs to his stomach so tight, And flew in with a shudder and shake; While the Duck, whom he'd foolishly thought was "all right," Swam away with an Aylesbury Drake. MORAL. Now the moral is this: if to wed you're inclined, And never, whatever you've got on your mind, G WHITE LILY OF MY LOVE. E parted, we, my Love and I, White moonbeams kiss'd the strand; One last embrace, and she had fled Across the silver sand. "Farewell! Farewell! Thee angels guard! Yet turn once more and bless Me with one last, long look on thee And thy great loveliness." So spake my heart and lips, and she, Obedient as a child, Turn'd her great beauty back to me, Oh! what a white, white hand was that What wealth of love in that sweet smile Gleam'd as she turn'd to go! WHITE LILY OF MY LOVE. White hand, white heart of purity! White Lily of my Love! Her white hand rests beneath the turf, Her white soul rests above! 83 THE SWALLOW. Y Love, she dwells 'neath sunny skies, Where thou dost fly, swift swallow; She lives where verdure never dies; Oh! would that I might follow, Follow, Would that I might follow! Where airs of balm breathe, winter through, Thou fliest now, sweet swallow; Yet sweets like hers none ever knew; Oh! would that I might follow, Follow, Would that I might follow! But since to fly along with thee May not be mine, dear swallow, Oh! take a pledge along with thee, And say I cannot follow, Say I cannot follow! Follow, |