10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



Now in the chimney corner rammed 



Between two ugly baskets crammed, 



So dark I scarce can see to eat 



Or tell the colour of my feet ; 



So narrow, too, whene'er I turn 



My tail and wings are sadly torn. 



Now as the Scotchman I suppose, 

 (I wish my claws were in his nose), 



Intends in spite of law or reason 



To keep me close shut up in prison, 



I beg your honour would engage 



To fit me up a proper cage. 



You play the carpenter completely, 



Whate'er you do, you do it neatly. 



I know you are a man of merit 

 Your fences, fields and barn declare it. 

 Oft have I viewed your works with wonder 

 As o'er your fields I sailed for plunder; 

 Not on your fowls to make my dinner. 

 No! birds and mice, upon my honour. 

 So I beg you will pity my condition 

 And grant this once my sad petition 

 And I will promise and declare, 

 If e'er again I wing the air, 

 Your hens and turkeys, ducks and geese, 

 For ever more shall dwell in peace. 

 A. Hen Hawk. 



From Between the Baskets. 



