Classic Poem

A FABLE .

The charms of Wisdom and of Truth,
But rarely warm the breast of Youth;
Yet, sometimes from unlook'd-for things,
Conviction with her ardour springs,
And strikes a beam throughout the soul,
Which Folly dares not to controul.

An Owl there was, of homely mien,
Who rarely in the world was seen,
And deep in barn pursued her labours,
Regardless of her joyful neighbours.
The sprightly Magpie and the Jay,
Who hopp'd about the live-long day,
And oft the glassy stream wou'd seek,
To see their feathers, fair and sleek,
With airs of triumph and disdain,
(As magpies will be pert and vain)
Wou'd sometimes chatter, aye! and peep —
And wake poor Marg'ry from her sleep:
With wond'rous art, and conscious pride,
They got a troop of birds beside;
And even wou'd sing their vile lampoon
To ev'ry harsh and vulgar tune!
With patience calm she bore their malice,
And priz'd her barn, as 'twere a palace!
— At length, a dreadful host of foes,
No art of magpie cou'd oppose,
By strange mishap, their force collected,
And here their horrid flight directed. —
The Hawk — and ev'n the Eagle too,
Supplied with talons to subdue,
And beaks of most alarming force,
(Sailing tremendous in their course)
Were seen — with Kite and Vulture rare,
To darken all the conscious air. —
Th' approaching ill a terror spread,
Enough to strike the magpies dead:
Their hov'ring plumes, and looks aghast,
Declar'd the vengeance come at last!
What cou'd they do? or where retreat?
So fierce a foe they cou'd not meet:
Ev'n tho' they found a shelt'ring spot,
Still might they famish, quite forgot!
And ruin ev'ry where wou'd find 'em,
'Twas here, and there — before, behind 'em! —
Compassion for their hapless plight,
Now brought the gen'rous Owl in sight:
" Fear not, " she cried, " I don't dissemble —
" Behold my barn, and there assemble;
" There safe, and guarded from the foe,
" The use of wisdom may you know:
" The hoarded grain I sav'd by art,
" Is yours, my friends, with all my heart!
" Till safer times 'twill ease your trouble,
" And prudent care may make it double.
" But now, I hope, you'll make excuses,
" And own that Owls have still their uses! "
How aukwardly the culprits star'd,
No skilful muse has yet declar'd. —
Superior dignity belongs
To those who dare to pardon wrongs! —
While praise attends the Owl's endeavour,
The Magpies now are dumb for ever!