"
"He was a lover of tame rabbits and hares, and speaks of all these
animals as if they were his friends and fellow-creatures. In one of
his little poems he tells a pretty story of his spaniel Beau. I was
so pleased with it that I learned it by heart unconsciously, from
reading it over so often."
"Do repeat it, Mother," cried both the boys.
Mrs. Chilton then repeated the poem; and, as some of my young
readers may not be familiar with it, they shall have a copy, too.
"This, also, boys, is a true story," said their mother.
THE DOG AND THE WATER LILY.
NO FABLE.
The noon was shady, and soft airs
Swept Ouse's silent tide,
When, 'scaped from literary cares,
I wandered on his side.
My spaniel--prettiest of his race,
And high in pedigree--
(Two nymphs adorned with every grace,
That spaniel found for me--)
Now wantoned, lost in flowery reeds,
Now, starting into sight,
Pursued the swallow o'er the meads,
With scarce a slower flight.
It was the time when Ouse displayed
His lilies newly blown.
Their beauties I intent surveyed,
And one I wished my own.
With cane extended far, I sought
To steer it close to land;
But still the prize, though nearly caught,
Escaped my eager hand.
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