On a group of Psittacidce known to the Ancients. S9 



'EK^HA.iv' Avrxp N02<|)IN lAfiN AnOMOPSATO AAKPr, 



PEIA AAGflN EvfAxiov. — 



A§yov ooiv KXTa yi.oip' aXa/Ssv fjuXmos Bxvxtoioj 



AwT^^t' i^OVT* O^Va-lOX EEWOCTWfV/aVTW."* 



Odyss. XVII. 292—337. 



Nor can I conceive any representation touched with more 

 genuine delicacy and truth of feeling than the poet's description 

 of Leshia's favourite bird, and lamentation for its loss; a picture, 

 which he brings home to our eyes, and identifies with the scenes 

 that every day pass around us. 



" Passer, deliciae mea; puellse, 

 Quicum ludere, quem in sinu tenere, * 

 Quoi primum digitum dare adpetenli, 

 Et acris solet incitare morsus; — 

 Passer mortuus est meae puellae : — 

 Quem plus ilia oculis suis amabat : 

 Nam mellitus erat, suamque norat 

 Ipsam tarn bene, quara piiella matrem ; 

 Nee sese a gremio illius movebat ; 



* " Thus near the gates conferring as they drew, 



Argus, the dog, his ancient master knew; 



He, not unconscious of his voice and tread. 



Lifts to the sound his ear, and rears his head ; 



Bred by Ulysses, nourished at his board ; 



But, ah ! not fated long to please his lord! — 



Now left to man's ingratitude he lay. 



Unhoused, neglected in the publick way. — 



He knew his lord ; he knew, and strove to meet; 



In vain he strove to crawl, and kiss his feet; 



Yet — all he could — his tail, his ears, his eyes, 



Salute his master, and confess his joys. 



Soft pity touched the mighty mastei-'s soul ; 



Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole, 



Stble unperceived ; he turned his head, and dried 



The drop humane. — 



The dog, whom fate had granted to behold 



His lord, when twenty tedious years had rolled. 



Takes a last look, and having seen him, dies. — " 



Pope. Odyss. B. 17. v. 345—398. ' 



