Sylph or fairy hither tending- In his wavering parachute. [1] In her up-turned eye of fire! Has it in her power again : Now she works with three or four, Like an Indian conjuror; [2] Quick as he in feats of art, Far beyond in joy of heart. Were her antics played in the eye For the plaudits of the crowd? Of her own exceeding pleasure! Wordsworth. [1] Parachute-a machine, in form resembling a large umbrella, by which persons may descend from a great height in the air, generally used in connection with an air-balloon. [2] Indian conjuror- The Indian conjurors perform astonishing feats with balls, keeping several in motion above, and even around them, at the same time. 148. THE DAME SCHOOLMISTRESS. In yonder cot, along whose mouldering walls, Beneath her chin was pinn'd, with decent care, Of ancient make, her elbows did adorn. These does she guard secure in leathern case From thoughtless wights in some unweeted [1] place. Here first I enter'd, though with toil and pain, The lowly vestibule [2] of learning's fane; [8] Enter'd with pain, yet soon I found the way, Though sometimes toilsome, many a sweet display. Much did I grieve, on that ill-fated morn, When I was first to school reluctant borne ; Severe I thought the dame, though oft she tried To soothe my swelling spirits when I sigh'd; And oft, when harshly she reprov'd, I wept, To my lone corner, broken-hearted, crept, And thought of tender home, where anger never kept. [1] Unweeted-unknown. [2] Vestibule-porch, entrance. But soon, enur'd to alphabetic toils, Alert I met the dame with jocund smiles; And oft she stroked my head with fond delight, Kirke White. 149.-THE SILK-WORM. FROM THE LATIN OF VINCENT BOURNE. The beams of April, ere it goes, Careless around him and around, [1] Impervious that cannot be passed through or pene trated. Thus self-enclosed, as in a cask, [1] And, though a worm when he was lost, When next we see him, wings he wears, Cowper. 150. THE CAT AND THE GOLD FISHES. 'Twas on a lofty vase's side, The azure flowers that blow, [4] The pensive Selima reclined, Her conscious tail her joy declared, The velvet of her paws, [1] In allusion to the cocoon or web, in which the silkworm envelopes himself. [2] Papilio butterfly. [3] Oviparous-bringing forth eggs. [4] The meaning is, that it was a handsome blue and white China vase. Her coat, that with the tortoise vies, Still had she gazed, but 'midst the tide, Their scaly armour's Tyrian hue,[1] The hapless nymph with wonder saw ; She stretch'd in vain to reach the prize : Presumptuous maid! with looks intent, Eight times emerging from the flood, No dolphin came, no nereid [2] stirr'd, A favourite has no friend. [1] Tyrian hue-The purple dye of Tyre was very celebrated in ancient times. [2] Nereid- an imaginary being so called, a sea-nymph. |