SPRING-TIDE. 



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

 of the creation : doubtless 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 ? " 



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 



