How dearly I would love to see

Thy tiny cara sposa, As full of sensibility

As any coy mimosa !

They say, when hunters track her nest Where two warm pearls are lying, She boldly fights, though sore distrest, And sends the brigands flying.

What dainty epithets thy tribes

Have won from men of science! Pedantic and poetic scribes For once are in alliance.

Crested Coquette, and Azure Crown,
Sun Jewel, Ruby-Throated,
With Flaming Topaz, Crimson Down,
Are names that may be quoted.

Such titles aim to paint the hues

That on the darlings glitter, And were we for a week to muse, We scarce could light on fitter.

Farewell, bright bird! I envy thee,

Gay rainbow-tinted rover; Would that my life, like thine, were free From care till all is over!

A LESSON OF MERCY BENEATH a palm-tree by a clear cool spring God's Prophet, Mahomet, lay slumbering, Till, roused by chance, he saw before him stand

A foeman, Durther, scimitar in hand. The chieftain bade the startled sleeper rise; And with a flame of triumph in his eyes, "Who now can save thee, Mahomet?" he cried.

"God," said the Prophet, "God, my friend and guide."

Awe-struck the Arab dropped his naked sword,

Which, grasped by Mahomet, defied its lord: And, "Who can save thee now thy blade is won?"

Exclaimed the Prophet. Durther answered, "None!"

Then spake the victor: "Though thy hands are red

With guiltless blood unmercifully shed,
I spare thy life, I give thee back thy steel:
Henceforth, compassion for the helpless
feel."

And thus the twain, unyielding foes of yore,
Clasped hands in token that their feud was

o'er.