82 RAVEN. 



The Raven is the emblem of Denmark, and the standard of 

 the Danes. Ovvain is said to have had an army of 300 Ravens. 



Like the Ravens of Owain, eager for prey. 



The Raven is often tamed and imitates the human voice with 

 as much exactness as the Parrot. It Hves to a very great age. 

 The old Highland proverb, slightly varying Hesiod, says : — 



Thrice the life of a dog is the life of a horse ; 

 Thrice the life of a horse is the life of a man ; 

 Thrice the life of a man is the life of a stag ; 

 Thrice the life of a stag is the life of a Raven. 



Thin is thy plumage, death is in thy croak ; 

 Raven, come down from that majestic oak. 

 — When I was hatched, my father set this tree, 

 An acorn then ; its fall I hope to see, 

 A century after thou hast ceased to be. 



Montgomery— 5ird«. 



Its association with the cherished beliefs of many northern 

 nations, has caused it to be regarded with awe and reverence. It 

 is ever a bird of ill omen. 



The hoarse night Raven, trumpe of doleful drere. 



Spenseb. 



The sad presaging Raven tolls 

 The sick man's passport in her hollow beak, 

 And in the shadow of the silent night 

 Doth shake contagion from the sable wing. 



Marlowe. 



Ravens sung the funeral dirge. 



Thomson— Casing 0/ Indolence. 



A cursed bird, too crafty to be shot ; 



That always cometh with his soot-black coat, 



To make hearts dreary. 



Hood. 



The boding Raven on her cottage sat, 



And with hoarse croakings warned us of our fate. 



Gat. 



The Raven croaked as she sat at her meal. 

 And the old woman knew what he said, 



And she grew pale at the Raven's tale. 

 And sickened and went to her bed. 



SOUTHEY. 



Is it not ominous in all countries 



When Crows and Ravens croak upon trees ? 



Butler — Hudibras. 



