Think what a very shocking fate,
Caught and killed, and used as bait,
To take those harmless little fishes
To multiply man's dainty dishes."
Now, as the Frog this sentence spoke,
_Each brother gave a solemn croak._
The gentleman in bottle-green
Was quite exhausted by his theme;
He paused a moment, wiped his brow;
Then said, "I think you will allow
We've been a persecuted race,
Since first on earth we had a place.
There is, I'm told, a land called France,
Where all the people sing and dance--
And they acquire their easy grace
By living on our helpless race;
And though I say it with a sigh,
'Tis this that makes them all so spry."
Puffing for breath, the speaker stopped
And quickly from the stone he hopped.
The Ducks, while listening to this tale,
Had felt their very hearts turn pale.
At length, the largest of the two,
A handsome Drake, in green and blue,
Arose, and opening wide his beak,
_Bowed, coughed_, and then began to speak.
"Neighbors, I'm not a coward bird--
But the sad story I have heard,
Would cause the boldest one to quake,
And makes my every feather shake.
I like the plan that you propose,
To write a list of these your woes,
And ask for mercy from these men;
But have it done by some smart pen;
If stated by some able writer,
I think your fortunes may be brighter."

[Illustration]

Just at this moment, up there sprung
A Frog quite pert, for one so young;
Said he, "I vote for emigration,
'Twill save us all this botheration!"
Our proud Drake turned, in great surprise,
While grave rebuke flashed from his eyes.
Said he, "it makes my blood run cold,
To see young folks so smart and bold.
There's not a Duckling of my brood,
That would presume to be thus rude;
Young sir, I will a lesson give,
That may be useful while you live:
Wait till your counsel others seek,
And then think twice before you speak!
For you, the elders of this tribe,
I hope you here will still reside.
In every pleasant brook and marsh,
You'll meet with cares and trials harsh;
If you'll but try to be contented,
Much that's wrong will be prevented.
My lady Duck and I 'tis plain,
Are wiser than when here we came.
We thought our lot was very hard,
When shut within the poultry yard;
Although 'tis large, and well supplied
With water, and all else b