ALL THAT 'S BRIGHT MUST FADE." 159 This objection, however, does not apply to the delicate morceau of poor Brainard, which has seldom been copied, is in little repute, but which contains the true inspiration of poetry. "What is there sadd'ning in these autumn leaves?" Has left the land, as the first deluge left it, Or whispers through the evergreens, and asks, "ALL THAT'S BRIGHT MUST FADE! I've seen in blooming loveliness, I've seen in towering stateliness, 160 THE OLD BULFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS. Thus ever fades earth's loveliest, Thus dies the brightest and the best, Ir chanced, that on a winter's day, To forestal sweet St. Valentine, In many an orchard, copse and grove, Assembled on affairs of love; And with much twitter and much chatter, THE OLD BULFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS. At length a Bulfinch, who could boast "My friends, be cautious how you treat The subject upon which we meet; I fear we shall have winter yet." A Finch, whose tongue knew no control, With golden wing and satin poll; A last year's bird who ne'er had tried By his good will would keep us single, Till death exterminate us all. I marry without more ado; My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?" Dick heard; and tweedling, ogling, bridling, Of an immediate conjugation. All paired, and each pair built a nest. But though the birds were thus in haste, The leaves came on not quite so fast; 161 The wind, that late breathed gently forth, Grew quarrelsome and pecked each other; Except that they had ever met; Than to neglect a good adviser. MORAL. Young folks, who think themselves so wise, That old folk's counsel they despise, Will find when they too late repent, Their folly prove their punishment. THE RIVER. RIVER! River! little River! Bright you sparkle on your way, O'er the yellow pebbles dancing, Through the flowers and foliage glancing, River! River! swelling River! 1 SOCRATES.-PROVERBS. River! River! brimming River! River! River! rapid River! Swift and silent as an arrow, Through a channel dark and narrow, River! River! headlong River! Sea, that line hath never sounded, 163 THE SENSIBLE ANSWER OF SO CRATES. WHEN Socrates, the Athenian philosopher, had built himself a small house, one of the common people stepped up to him; "And pray, sir," said he, "what can be the reason that you, who are so great a man, should build such a little box as this for your dwelling house!" "Indeed, neighbor, replied the sage, "I shall think myself happy if I can fill even this with real friends." True friends are indeed great treasures, and the wise know how to prize them. PROVERBS. HEARTS may agree, though heads differ. |