FABLES AND ANIMALS.

83

The COUNCIL of BIRDS.

IN days of yore (my cautious rhymes
Always except the present times),

A greedy Vulture, skill'd in game,
Inur'd to guilt, unaw'd by shame,
Approach'd the throne in evil hour,
And step by step intrudes to pow'r;
When at the royal Eagle's ear,

He longs to ease the monarch's care.

The monarch grants. With pride elate,

Behold him minister of state!

Around him throng the feather'd rout;

Friends must be serv'd, and some must out.

Each thinks his own the best pretension;

This asks a place, and that a pension.
The Nightingale was set aside,
A forward Daw his room supplied.

This bird, says he, for business fit,

Hath both sagacity and wit:

With all his turns, and shifts, and tricks,

He's docile, and at nothing sticks:

Then with his neighbours one so free
At all times will connive at me.

The Hawk had due distinction shewn,

For parts and talents like his own.

Thousands of hireling Cocks attend him,

As blust'ring bullies to defend him.

At once the Ravens were discarded,

And Magpies with their posts rewarded.

Those fowls of omen I detest,