Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/377

 Rh

But chicky wistfully eyed the brook

And didn't half believe her,

For she seemed to say, by a knowing look,

Such stories couldn't deceive her.

And as her mother was scratching the ground,

She muttered, lower and lower,

"I know I can go there and not be drowned,

And so, I think, I'll show her."

Then she made a plunge where the stream was deep,

And saw, too late, her blunder,

For she had hardly time to peep;

When her foolish head went under.

And now I hope her fate will show

The child my story reading,

That those that are older sometimes know

What you will do well in heeding;

That each content in his place should dwell,

And envy not his brother;

For any part that is acted well,

Is just as good as another.

For we all have our proper sphere below,

And this is a truth worth knowing:

You will come to grief if you try to go

Where you were never made for going.

(Phœbe Cary.)