eside
For happiness and comfort too,
Yet much we wished for something new.
Our wings are clipped, we cannot fly,
And this too costs us many a sigh.
We seldom pass our owner's gate,
He keeps his poultry rather straight.
We should not have been out to-day,
But Duck and I just ran away;
And as we came to bathe this morn,
Fretful we felt, and quite forlorn;
We thought our lot in life so sad,
And all our troubles quite too bad.
Could we have got our brood away,
We had quit town this very day.
As gloomily we stepped along,
The air was filled with many a song
From happy creatures, gay and bright,
Rejoicing in the morning light.
The dew, o'er flowers and trees was flung,
Like diamonds pure, in drops it hung;
All nature seemed reproaching us,
For making all this dismal fuss.
But we grew calmer as we walked,
Of all these cheering things we talked.
And hearing all your griefs and sighs,
Much better feelings did arise.
For let me tell you, friends and brothers,
Listening to the woes of others,
And pitying their deep distress,
Will ever make our own seem less.
Then Patience whispers, (pray regard her,)
Your lot though hard, might still be harder.
Now, gossips, I am tired of speaking,
Our Ducklings too we must be seeking;
Although it makes our heart-strings quiver,
To see yon bright and pleasant river;
And hearing its cool waters splashing,
We long beneath them to be dashing.
Yet we must close this visitation,
And without farther hesitation,
Resist our very strong desire,
And cheerful to our homes retire.
Our kindest wishes rest with you,
So, now good friends, we'll bid adieu."
The Ducks then smoothed each ruffled feather,
And gracefully walked off together.
The Frogs with courtesy arose,
And stretched themselves high on their toes;
And so far conquered all their fears,
They gave their friends three parting cheers!
Then as they sank upon the grass,
This resolution they did pass:
"Here, now, before we separate,
We pledge ourselves, to bear our fate
With patience; and if ill betide,
We'll try to find some brighter side.
Our homes with cheerful tones shall ring,
And over every care _we'll spring_."
They stopped; each folded his green dress
About him with much cheerfulness;
Shook hands all round, and said "good day,"
Then merrily