THE CRICKET. 109 



Pay me for thy warm retreat 

 With a song more soft and sweet; 

 In return thou shalt receive 

 Such a strain as I can give. 



Thus thy praise shall be exprest, 

 Inoffensive, welcome guest ! 

 While the rat is on the scout, 

 And the mouse with curious snout, 

 With what vermin else infest 

 Every dish, and spoil the best ; 

 Frisking thus before the fire, 

 Thou hast all thine heart's desire. 



3 



Though in voice and shape they be 

 Formed as if akin to thee. 

 Thou surpassest, happier far, 

 Happiest Grasshoppers that are; 

 Their's is but a Summer's song 

 Thine endures the Winter long, 

 Unimpair'd, and shrill, and clear, 

 Melody throughout the year. 



4 



Neither nighty nor dawn of day, 

 Puts a period to thy play : 

 Sing then — and extend thy span 

 Far beyond the date of man. 



L 



