Then out came the Spider, with fingers so fine, From one branch to another his cobwebs he slung, But just in the middle-O, shocking to tell!From his rope in an instant poor Harlequin fell; Yet he touch'd not the ground, but with talons outspread, Hung suspended in air at the end of a thread. Then the Grasshopper came with a jerk and a spring,Very long was his leg, though but short was his wing; He took but three leaps, and was soon out of sight, With step so majestic the Snail did advance, And went in his own little chamber to bed. Then as evening gave way to the shadows of night, The watchman, the Glow-worm, came out with his light: Then home let us hasten while yet we can see, Roscoe. UPON a tree there mounted guard Throughout the animal domains. So much the tidings do concern all, That I must spread them far to-day, How you and yours can take your walks But first, let's seal the bliss "Good friend," the Cock replied, "upon my word A better thing I never heard; And doubly I rejoice To hear it from your voice: And really there must be something in it, For yonder come two greyhounds, which, I flatter Myself, are couriers on this very matter: They come so fast, they'll be here in a minute; I'll down, and all of us will seal the blessing With general kissing and caressing." "Adieu," said Fox, "my errand's pressing; I'll hurry on my way, And we'll rejoice some other day." So off the fellow scamper'd, quick and light, THE RAILROAD. THROUGH the mould and through the clay, O'er the river, through the brake, O'er the bleak and dreary moor,— Highways, Byways, Hollow hill: Jumping-bumping— Like forty thousand giants snoring. O'er the aqueduct and bog Glimpse of lonely hut and mansion, Slash along! On, on with a jump, Ánd a bump, And a roll, Hies the fire-fiend to its destined goal! THE COUNCIL OF HORSES. A TROOP of horses met in state "Alas, how abject is our race, Condemn'd to bondage and disgrace! Shall we our slavery retain, Because our sires have borne the chain? A general nod approv'd the cause, And all the circle neigh'd applause. When lo, with grave and solemn tread, An aged steed advanc'd and said: "When I had health and strength, like you, The toils of servitude I knew; |