1855. A WONDERFUL CUSHION. 283 



The base was broad, the back was long ; 



It was an ample Chair ; 

 The arms were wide, and very strong, 



But it was very bare. 



The feet on which it stood were stout, 



The sides were stiffly barred 

 With angles like a Siege-Redoubt ; 



And it was very hard. 



The wise Professor tried to take 



Possession of his Chair ; 

 But every bone was like to break, 



Though he sat down with care. 



"Take back thy gift, oh, Queen of might ! 



Take back thy gift I say, 

 I cannot sleep a wink by night, 



And cannot rest by day." 



" Nay ! I will not take back from thee 



My gift," the monarch said ; 

 " Go, ask from other queens than me, 



A cushion for thy head. " 



Beside the Clyde's far western shore, 

 There lived a gentle fairy ; 



Queen Mima was the name she bore ; 

 She sang like a canary. 



Into a Blackbird, she could turn, 

 Whene'er she had the will ; 



And all the singing birds would burn 

 With envy at her skill. 



To her the sad Professor 



Addressed his mournful prayer, 



" O lady, be Redresser 



Of this so wrongful chair ! " 



No sooner had the fairy heard, 



Than she began to sing, 

 " Come hither, every bird 



That soars upon the wing."^ 



