158 
SELECT POETRY. 
wing to its having reached us so. late in the month, we are unable to afford it 
lengthened critique. 
SELECTED POETRY. 
SONG OF THE BLACKBIRD AND THRUSH. 
(From Grahame’s Birds of Scotland .) 
When Snowdrops die, and the green Primrose leaves 
Announce the coming flower, the Merle’s note 
Mellifluous, rich, deep-toned, fills all the vale. 
And charms the ravished ear. The Hawthorn bush, 
New-budded, is his perch ; there the gray dawn 
He hails, and there with parting light concludes 
His melody. There when the buds begin 
To break, he lays the fibrous root, and see 
His jetty breast embrown’d ; the rounded clay 
Plis jetty breast has soiled; but now complete. 
His partner and his helper in the work 
Happy assumes possession of her home: 
While he upon a neighbouring tree his lay, 
Here, richly full, melodiously renews. 
- - - -— The Thrush’s song 
Is varied as his plumes; and as his plumes 
Blend beauteous each with each, so run his notes, 
Smoothly, and with many a happy rise and fall. 
Sometimes below the never-fading leaves 
Of Ivy close, that ever-twisting binds 
Some riven rock, or nodding castle wall. 
Securely there the dam sits all day long; 
While from the adverse bank, on topmost shoot 
Of odour-breathing Birch, her mate’s blythe chaunt 
Cheers her pent hours, and makes the wild woods ring. 
THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. 
(From The Yorkshireman , a Religious and Literary Journal.) 
A Grasshopper ail Summer long 
Had filled the meadow with her song; 
But when Autumnal blasts prevail’d 
Found that her store of victual fail’d; 
So, calling on a neighbouring Ant, 
She begged assistance, told her want: 
“ If a few grains you can but spare, 
When harvest comes I will take care 
