A CHAFFINCH AND HIS MATE. 261 



vation of the infant brood ! The poet Cowper was so 

 pleased with the circumstance, that he commemorated 

 it in the following stanzas. 



A TALE. 



In Scotland's realm, where trees are few. 



Nor even shrubs abound ; 

 But where, however bleak the view. 



Some better things are found. 



For husband there, and wife, may boast 



Their union undefil'd ; 

 And false ones are as rare, almost, 



As hedge-rows in the wild. 



In Scotland's realm, forlorn and bare, 

 Tbishist'ry chanc'd of late — 



This hist'ry of a wedded pair, 

 A chaffinch and his mate. 



The spring drew near, each felt a breast 



With genial instinct fill'd ; 

 They pair'd, and only wish'd a nest, 



But found not where to build. 



The heaths uncover'd, and the moors. 

 Except with snow and sleet ! 



Sea-beaten rocks, and naked shores, 

 Could yield them no retreat. 



