THE HOUSE-SPARROW'S SPEECH. 295 



And are we not a social tribe ? 

 We follow man without a bribe ; 

 We leave even corn with him to dwell, 

 Why, let him, if he's able, tell : 

 For in his cities we abound 

 Where corn grows not, nor weeds are found, 

 * How live you, then ?" — I almost scorn 

 Such question ! certes not on corn / 

 We live by worthy means — by wit- 

 Have I not rightly answered it ? — • 

 We live — enjoy domestic life — 

 And though we sing not, you may see 

 And hear us always full of glee ; 

 Nor know we much of care or strife, 

 Save what proud Man provides for us. 



From what is said conclude we thus : 

 That yet, our knowledge cannot scan 

 The vast design which we, with man, 

 In nature's universe behold ;-— 

 That, though there be some beings bold 

 Who would prescribe laws to that Power, 

 Beneath which we and man must cower, 

 How often are we set at nought — 

 Our insignificance how taught ? 

 Yet may we cherish happiness 

 And all our fellow beings bless, 

 By offices of tenderness. — 

 Here chiefly lie our duties — here 

 No doubts arise — no mists appear. 

 Who is it then that has most sense ? 

 He who shews most Benevolence ! 



