- 



"Better search the fields for health unbought. 



Than tee the doctor for nauseus draught. 

 The wise tor health on exercise depend. 



God never made his work tor man to mend." 



VOL. I. G^ESSO, I0IH7I, OTOTJ{Y, 135o\ 1^0. 1. 



THE SEAGULL. 



BV JPMA GODDARD. 



The sky was blue 011 a summer day, 



And The sea was blue below; 

 And the seagulls— whose wings flashed gleaming white — 



Were swooping to and fro. 



The boatmen rested on their oars, 



And the marksman took his gun. 

 And he said, "My love wants a seagull's plume, 



And I will get her one. 



He lifted his gun, he shot— and lo! 



With a thud upon the deck, 

 Fell the white-winged bird, whilst a scarlet stream 



Dripped from its wounded neck. 



"A fine young bird! I've had good luck," 



Quoth the marksman, in great glee; 

 Whilst round the boat hovered the parent bird, 



And ever nearer came she. 



She uttered man) 7 a plaintiff cry; 



She would not her young forsake. 

 ••(). marksman! marksman! your heart must be hard 



If pity you do not take.'' 



The marksman he raised his gun again, 



But the brave bird did not care: 

 She was robbed of her nestling; she followed on — 



Ah! say if its fate she will share? 



•"Oh, marksman! marksman! a love so great 



Should with tenderest pity meet." 

 But the marksman aimed, and the marksman fired, 



And the bird fell at his feet. 



Two happy creatures that God had made 



To play o're the restless sea! 

 Thank God, O reader, that he who fired 



Was neither you nor me! 



Oh, fair ones who wear the seagull's plumes, s 



And think that in feathers you're fine, ) 



Close your ears when barbarous Fashion speaks, ^ g 



And think of this tale of mine. v 



— Animal World. 



