128 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



His finger, pointing to the harmonious tree. 

 Seems to say, " Listen ! " to his favorite maid. 



The singer ended; and our critic bo\v<-<l 



His reverend head to earth, and said aloud, 



" Now, that's so-so ; thou really hast some merit : 

 Curtail thy song, and critics then might hear it. 

 Thy voice wants sharpness : but, if Chanticleer 

 Would give thee a few lessons, doubtless he 

 Might raise thy voice, and modulate thy ear ; 

 And thou, in spite of all thy faults, mays't be 

 A very decent singer." 



The poor bird 



_n silent modesty the critic heard, 

 And winged her peaceful flight into the air. 

 O'er many and many a field and forest fair. 



Many such critics you and I have seen : 

 Heaven be our screen! 



