29. THE COW AND THE ASS.-Anonymous. Hard by a green meadow a stream used to flow, A cow, quite oppressed with the heat of the sun, But soon a brown ass of respectable look, "How d'ye do?" said the cow, "how d'ye do?" said the ass. "Take a seat," cried the cow, gently waving her hand. By no means, dear madam," said he, "while you stand;" Then stooping to drink, with a complaisant bow, "Ma'am, your health," said the ass," thank you, sir,” said the cow. When a few of these compliments more had been past, The ass held his tongue, that the cow might speak first. Then with a deep sigh, she directly began, Now what is the reason? I see none at all, At once I must go to be milked in the yard. I've no will of my own, but must do as they please, "But ma'am," said the ass, "not presuming to teachO dear, I beg pardon,-pray finish your speech; · I thought you had done, ma'am indeed," said the swain, "Go on, and I'll not interrupt you again." "Why, sir, I was only going to observe, I'm resolved, that these tyrants no longer I'll serve; And look somewhere else for their butter and cheese." Ass waited a moment, to see if she'd done, That you're of great service to them is quite true, Tis under their shelter you snugly repose, When without it, dear ma'am, you perhaps might be froze, The cow upon this cast her eyes on the grass, 30. THE FRENCHMAN AND THE RATS.—Anonymous. A Frenchman once, who was a merry wight, His supper done, some scraps of cheese were left, Which our poor Frenchman, thinking it no theft, Into his pocket put; then slowly crept Our hero now undressed, popped out the light, At which they gorged themselves; then smelling round, Under the pillow soon the cheese they found; And while at this they regaling sat, Their happy jaws disturbed the Frenchman's nap; Who, half awake, cries out, "Hallo! hallo! Vat is dat nibbel at my pillow so? Ah! 'tis one big huge rat! Vat de diable is it he nibbel, nibbel at?" Bawling aloud, called stoutly for a light. Bring me the bill for vat I have to pay!" The bill was brought, and to his great surprise, Ten shillings was the charge, he scarce believes his eyes With eager haste, he runs it o'er, And every time he viewed it thought it more. 66 "Vy zounds, and zounds!" he cries, "I sall no pay; Vat charge ten shelangs for vat I have mangé? A leetal sup of portar, dis vile bed, Vare all de rats do run about my head?" pray: Plague on those rats!" the landlord muttered out; "I wish upon my word, that I could make 'em scout: I'll pay him well that can." "Vat's dat you say?" "I'll pay him well that can." "Attend to me, I Vil you dis charge forego, vat I am at, If from your house I drive away de rat?" "With all my heart," the jolly host replies, "E'coutez donc, ami ;" the Frenchman cries "First, den-Regardez, if you please, Bring to dis spot a leetal bread and cheese Eh bien! a pot of portar too; And den invite de rats to sup vid you: And after-no matter dey be villing For vat dey eat, you charge dem just ten shelang : 31. OCCASIONAL PROLOGUE.—Anonymous. Dear friends, we thank you for your condescension, In deigning thus to lend us your attention; (Boys though we are,) will yield you some delight. From wisdom and from knowledge, pleasure springs, Blest is the man, who treads her paths in youth, Saints have walked in them till they reached their Ged The powers of eloquence can charm the soul, Such powers the great Demosthenes attained, : Such powers were Cicero's -with patriot might, Nor to the senate or the bar confined, The pulpit shows its influence o'er the mind; Then say not this our weak attempt is vain, Various the pieces we to-night repeat, Some rouse the soul-some gently soothe the ear, • From grave to gay, from lively to severe." We would your kind indulgence then bespeak, Our sole ambition aims at your applause, We are but young-let youth then plead our cause ; Our wish is answered and our end is gained. 32. OCCASIONAL EPILOGUE.-Anonymous. Our parts are perform'd and our speeches are ended,- Farewell then our greatness-'tis gone like a dream, We thank you!-Our gratitude words cannot tell, With heartfelt emotion we bid you farewell, And our feelings now thank you much more than our tongues. We will strive to improve, since applauses thus cheer us, |