able, at first, and now fearful, to depart, it was long before he attempted, though much he wished, to change his place. Many times he spread his wings for flight; and, as often, drew back, relinquishing the design. Committing himself, at length, to the vast void of air, he rushed abroad with precipitation. Frightened by the sound of his own wings, and by every rustling leaf, he repented the temerity with which he had abandoned his hiding-place; and flew for refuge to the first tree that presented itself.

It was now the time of sleep;

and

and, drowsiness coming upon him, he gave up every thought of moving again before morning. He folded his head under his wing, and was lost in slumber. Here and there, upon the dry sandy banks, glow-worms hung their little lamps. Silence and darkness assumed the throne of nature. In her hidden retreat, a nightingale sung this

song:

Fays, that love the moony mead,
Immortal foes of evil deed,

Ne'er may your power, nor your pleasures cease!

If dear to you the pathless glade;
If you revere the solemn shade;

If the soft silver brook, that, gleaming far,
Spangles the grove with many a liquid star,
Has calm delights for you;

Or, evening's fragrant breeze, or, her refreshing dew;

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THE CANARY-BIRD.

If, as you trip along,

You hear, and prize, my plaintive song;
And if, to you, it seem,

Offspring of Fancy's playful'st dream!

Such scenes and sounds were made for gentle peace;

Incline a fav'ring ear

My supplication hear;

And, with resistless charm,

Guard, guard these bow'rs, these sacred bow'rs, from harm!

CHAP. VIII.

One end of God in this visible creation, was, certainly, the delight of his creatures, of which the meanest reptile has undoubtedly its share.

BLAIR.

The

MORNING returned. Canary-bird, cheered by the rising day, forgot the dangers of the preceding evening, and flew, without apprehension, wherever any pleasing object invited. It is not to be supposed that, the beauties of nature are visible

G3

66

THE CANARY-BIRD.

visible to no other eyes than those of man. Birds would be liable to many inconveniences if they were not far-sighted. They must be able to comprehend a large scene, and to see objects at a distance clearly, otherwise they would often travel to no purpose. Many of the lesser charms of nature are peculiarly adapted, I apprehend, to the animal creation: such as the colours, spots and stripes upon seeds; and even the insect world seem to have been considered in the ornaments of

flowers: particularly in the in

of which are