Volume Iv Part 47 (2/2)

Where'er there's a thistle to feed a linnet And linnets are plenty, thistles rife-- Or an acorn-cup to catch dew-drops in it There's ample promise of further life.

Now, mark how we begin it.

For linnets will follow, if linnets are minded, As blows the white-feather parachute; And s.h.i.+ps will reel by the tempest blinded-- Aye, s.h.i.+ps and s.h.i.+ploads of men to boot!

How deep whole fleets you'll find hid.

And we blow the thistle-down hither and thither Forgetful of linnets, and men, and G.o.d.

The dew! for its want an oak will wither-- By the dull hoof into the dust is trod, And then who strikes the cither?

But thistles were only for donkeys intended, And that donkeys are common enough is clear, And that drop! what a vessel it might have befriended, Does it add any flavor to Glugabib's beer?

Well, there's my musing ended.

Tom Hood [1835-1874]

THE JAM-POT

The Jam-pot--tender thought!

I grabbed it--so did you.

”What wonder while we fought Together that it flew In s.h.i.+vers?” you retort.

You should have loosed your hold One moment--checked your fist.

But, as it was, too bold You grappled and you missed.

More plainly--you were sold.

”Well, neither of us shared The dainty.” That your plea?

”Well, neither of us cared,”

I answer.... ”Let me see.

How have your trousers fared?”

Rudyard Kipling [1865-1936]

BALLAD After William Morris

Part I The auld wife sat at her ivied door, (Butler and eggs and a pound of cheese) A thing she had frequently done before; And her spectacles lay on her ap.r.o.ned knees.

The piper he piped on the hill-top high, (b.u.t.ter and eggs and a pound of cheese) Till the cow said ”I die,” and the goose asked ”Why?”

And the dog said nothing, but searched for fleas.

The farmer he strode through the square farmyard; (b.u.t.ter and eggs and a pound of cheese) His last brew of ale was a trifle hard-- The connection of which with the plot one sees.

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