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As watchful for my master's weal.

Throughout the night I keep aloof

A host of robbers from his roof,

And guard from thee and thine the hoard

Of dainties that should crown his board."

On this the Mouse withdrew again

Into its hole, and answered then:

"Henceforth, since thou art faithful. Mice

Shall call fidelity a vice."

'Tis ever thus, for we commend

The smallest virtues in a friend;

While in a foe we should abhor it

And even damn the fellow for it.

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.)

THE SWAN AND THE LINNET

S once a Linnet on a tree

Was piping like a lover's lute,

A Swan exclaimed, "All birds should be.

When I am nigh, entranced and mute;

For none can hope to vie with me,

A vocalist of such repute!

"It heeds me not, but warbles still—

Was ever songster half so vain?