290 THE COUNTRY CLERGYMAN. 



' and endeavouring to administer, as is my duty, 

 4 medicine to her ' mind diseased ;' it was a winter's 

 ' day, and as I retraced my steps, meditating upon 



* the unhappy distraction of her senses, a sudden 

 ' squall of wind coming on, my attention was 

 ' attracted by the scream of a sea-mew sailing 

 ' swiftly over-head. There was in the wailing 



* sound something so in accordance with my feel- 

 ' ings, and so in unison with my tone of mind, 



* that the bird served me in the place of the Muse, 

 ' and to wile away our homeward walk I will 



* repeat to you the produce of my inspiration.' 



THE SEA-BIRD'S REST. 

 Say where shall the sea-bird rest 



In the dark and dreary hour, 

 When the storm obscures the west, 

 And the wint'ry tempests low'r? 



Say where shall the sea-bird rest ? 



She flies on her weary wing 



To the busy haunts of men, 

 But when did they safety bring? 



I hear but the Echo's when ! 



Then where shall the sea-bird rest ? 



They watch her approaching flight, 



As she skims the floating tide, 

 Touching with wing so light 



The waves, as they forward glide. 

 But she has not found her rest ! 



Then the arrow's deadly aim 



On her snowy breast they turn, 

 On her who a wanderer came 



To their shores but must quick return. 

 Say, where is the sea-bird's rest ? 



