Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/363



Rh not discover the cause. Looking about him, he perceived a small Bird issuing forth from the hollow of a tree, whose beautiful plumage was variegated like the rainbow, and whose size was hardly larger than that of a Bumble-bee.

"Is it you, little insect, that makes this loud humming noise?" exclaimed the Traveller.

"Yes," replied the Bird, "you need not be surprised at that, since it happens as often among men as among animals, that those of least consequence make the most noise."

(Dr. Aikin.)  THE CHAMELEON

FT has it been my lot to mark

A proud, conceited, talking spark,

With eyes that hardly served at most

To guard their master 'gainst a post;

Yet round the world the blade has been,

To see whatever could be seen.

Returning from his finished tour,

Grown ten times perter than before;

Whatever word you chance to drop,

The travelled fool your mouth will stop:

"Sir, if my judgment you'll allow—

I've seen—and sure I ought to know."

So begs you pay a due submission,

And acquiesce in his decision. 