THE COMMON HERON. 



" It is an ancient Heron— I believe, 



Forty years old at least— a dear relation, 

 Who's much at Mertoun, says he can perceive 

 Of its identity much indication. 



" Its haunts and habits always are the same — 

 What lots of fish ere this he has digested. 

 And the old poacher's wonderfully tame, 

 Because he never is at all molested. 



" Still, he's a wary bird, and thinks aright, 

 ' The better part of valour is discretion ; ' 

 So if you come too near, lie takes to flight. 

 With pompous gravity beyond expression." 



51 





