THE BIRDS VICTORIOUS. | 
{An Incident of Field Sport.] 
By M. B. M. Toranp. 
A sportsman once, in search of game, 
While beating through marsh tangle-wood 
Upon a mother partridge came 
Surrounded by her callow brood, 
All fluttering helplessly. 
By true maternal instinct taught, 
She strove her little ones to hide, 
Then bravely the intruders fought— 
With flushing pinions spreadmg wide 
She stood defiantly. 
In sti'ted rage she forward came 
With open beak and ruffled crest ; 
Her mate meanwhile, with cunning aim, 
The spoiler and his dogs to breast 
And lead them all astray— 
Intoned quick measured melody 
Of cooing-silvery cadence clear, 
While flitting through the shrubbery, 
Thus to attract the hunter’s ear 
His threatening hand to stay. 
Transfixed in admiration mute, 
The sportsman watched the tiny pair ; 
Nor wished he such brave birds to shoot, 
But let them trill in triumph there 
Their notes of victory. 
His setters fenced in covert drear, 
Intent in crouching attitude, 
He called, and they, snbdued, drew near 
With whimpering whine and sullen mood 
To cross the fern-hedged lea. 
God, who hath taught the birds in spring 
To frame and build their downy nest, 
To shield their young ‘neath hovering wing, 
Implanted in each parent breast 
Some portion of his love. 
Nor leaves them void of heavenly light 
Wherewith to guide their simple life, 
But aids them on their upward flight 
Through changing scenes of peace and strife, 
His watchful care to prove. ; 


