- Just because teasing others is his will. 
THE HOUSE-SPARROW. 177 
Aught ’s to be had, the Sparrow will be there, 
Sturdy and bold, and wrangling for his share. 
The tender linnet bathes her sides and wings 
In running brooks and purest forest-springs. 
The Sparrow rolls and scuffles in the dust— 
That is his washing, or his proper rust. 
Before your carriage as you drive to town 
To his base meal the Sparrow settles down ; 
He knows the safety-distance to an inch, 
Up to that point he will not move or flinch ;— 
You think your horse will crush him—no such 
thing— 
That coachman’s whip might clip his fluttering 
wing, 
Or take his head of in a twink—but he 
Knows better still and liveth blithe and free. 
At home he plagues the martins with his 
noise— 
They build, he takes possession and enjoys ; 
Or if he want it not, he takes it still, 
From hour to hour, from tedious day to day 
He sits to drive the rightful one away. 
