STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



121 



That cause is better lost than gained 

 Which must with battle be maintained. 

 How strange, to poise tlie just and right 

 On th' issues of uncertain tight; 

 To prove the valor of the breast 

 By bold exposure of the crest! 

 Those who from scenes of strife retire, 

 Or who are not provoked to ire, 

 When others injure, threaten, rave, 

 Are not the timid, but the brave; 

 For every cock can crow and strut. 

 Or daub his fellows o'er with smut; 

 The few that bear a wrong with grace 

 Shine forth the noblest of the race." 



