THE COMMON HERON. 



51 



"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, he takes to flight, 

 With pompous gravity beyond expression." 



