ton then repeated the poem; and, as some of my young
readers may not be familiar with it, they shall have a copy, too.

"This, also, boys, is a true story," said their mother.

THE DOG AND THE WATER LILY.

NO FABLE.

The noon was shady, and soft airs
Swept Ouse's silent tide,
When, 'scaped from literary cares,
I wandered on his side.

My spaniel--prettiest of his race,
And high in pedigree--
(Two nymphs adorned with every grace,
That spaniel found for me--)

Now wantoned, lost in flowery reeds,
Now, starting into sight,
Pursued the swallow o'er the meads,
With scarce a slower flight.

It was the time when Ouse displayed
His lilies newly blown.
Their beauties I intent surveyed,
And one I wished my own.

With cane extended far, I sought
To steer it close to land;
But still the prize, though nearly caught,
Escaped my eager hand.

Beau marked my unsuccessful pains,
With fixed, considerate face;
And, puzzling, set his puppy brains
To comprehend the case.

But, with a chirrup clear and strong
Dispersing all his dream,
I thence withdrew, and followed long
The windings of the stream.

My ramble finished, I returned;
Beau, trotting far before,
The floating wreath again discerned,
And, plunging, left the shore.

I saw him with that lily cropped
Impatient swim to meet
My quick approach; and soon he dropped
The treasure at my feet.

Charmed with the sight, "The world," I cried,
"Shall hear of this thy deed.
My dog shall mortify the pride
Of man's superior breed."

But, chief, myself I will enjoin,
Awake at duty's call,
To show a love as prompt as thine
To Him who gives me all.

"I think that's a right pretty story, Mother," said Frank, when his
mother had finished reciting it; "but will you tell me what 'high in
pedigree' means; for I'm sure I don't know. I never heard the word
before; and who are nymphs, who found the spaniel for Cowper?"

"'High in pedigree,' Frank, means nothing but that he had a very
respectable grandfather and mother."

"Then, Mother, we are high in pedigree; for I'm sure that
grandfather and grandmother--, at the farm, are the very best and
most respectable people in the world, and send us the best butter
a