A REFLECTION ON THE FOREGOING ODE. AND is this all? Can reason do no more Than bid me shun the deep and dread the shore? The Christian has an art unknown to thee; TRANSLATIONS FROM VINCENT BOURNE. I. THE GLOW-WORM. BENEATH the hedge or near the stream, A worm is known to stray, Disputes have been and still prevail But this is sure, the hand of might Perhaps indulgent Nature meant Nor crush a worm, whose useful light Whate'er she meant, this truth divine Is legible and plain, 'Tis power Almighty bids him shine, Ye proud and wealthy, let this theme II. THE JACKDAW. THERE is a bird who by his coat, A great frequenter of the church, Above the steeple shines a plate, From what point blows the weather; Look up,-your brains begin to swim, 'Tis in the clouds ;-that pleases him, He chooses it the rather. Fond of the speculative height, And thence securely sees The bustle and the raree-show You think no doubt he sits and muses He sees that this great roundabout Its customs and its businesses And says,-what says he? Caw. Thrice happy bird! I too have seen Much of the vanities of men, And sick of having seen 'em, Would cheerfully these limbs resign For such a pair of wings as thine, And such a head between 'em. III. THE CRICKET. LITTLE inmate, full of mirth, In return thou shalt receive Thus thy praise shall be exprest, Though in voice and shape they be Neither night nor dawn of day Sing then-and extend thy span Far beyond the date of man; Wretched man, whose years are spent In repining discontent, Lives not, aged though he be, Half a span compared with thee. IV. THE PARROT. IN painted plumes superbly drest, Poll gains at length the British shore, Belinda's maids are soon preferr'd "Sweet Poll!" his doting mistress cries, "Sweet Poll!" the mimic bird replies, And calls aloud for sack; She next instructs him in the kiss, 'Tis now a little one like Miss, And now a hearty smack. At first he aims at what he hears And listening close with both his ears, Just catches at the sound; But soon articulates aloud, Much to the amusement of the crowd And stuns the neighbours round. A querulous old woman's voice His humorous talent next employs, |