SPRING-TIDE. 



fall out, and cuff it at times, like the lords 

 of the creation : douhtless like them, too, 

 they prate of politics and of a pedigree, 

 but they cling with filial fondness to the 

 old fane, however fierce the storm may 

 howl around it. But of all birds " com- 

 mend me to the owl." 



J. Do you recollect Drayton's picture 

 of your favourite ? 



" 'Twas near the eaves and shelter of a stack, 

 Set to support it at a beech's back, 

 In a stubb'd tree with ivy overgrown, 

 On which the sun had scarcely ever shone, 

 A broad-faced creature, hanging of the wing, 

 Was set to sleep while every bird did sing." 



S. Ay, ay : he who wrote the lines 



" Can grave and formal pass for wise, 

 When we the solemn owl despise 1 " 



was a Cockney, and knew nothing of the 

 bird. Minerva did not despise him when 

 she adopted him for her crest, and thousands 

 of Attic drachmas, still existing, attest that 

 the Athenians held him in veneration as I 



