ver been prone
To a weakness, he always had _wish'd_ to believe
Was exclusively felt by the _Daughters of Eve_,
Yet died with impatience to know who had written
The elegant verses, with which he was smitten.
His thoughts were all now on discovery bent,
And, in haste, for the PARROT he instantly sent:
Who shortly arriv'd, overjoy'd beyond measure, [p 9]
And, strutting, demanded SIR ARGUS'S pleasure?

[Illustration: _"The Peacock with vanity fully inflated." p. 9._]

The PEACOCK, with vanity fully inflated,
Erected his plumes, and the triumph related;
Then quiv'ring his wings, and expanding his breast,
The listening PARROT in these words address'd:--
"My friend, I acknowledge the Poem divine,
And that genius and wit breathe thro' every line;
But it is not enough that to Fame we devote it,
You, the Herald of Ton, must inform me who _wrote_ it."

The PARROT, who now was expiring to speak,
Twirl'd his ebony tongue, and then op'ning his beak,
In a tone of importance, without hesitation,
Directly began a high-sounding oration.
"SIR ARGUS, no mortal could e'er have desir'd,
More exquisite verses than those you've inspir'd.
The Muse has for _you_, indeed, tried all her art, [p 10]
And with envy, no doubt, has fill'd many a heart:
I wonder not, then, you are anxious to know
From _whose_ pen these strains of sweet harmony flow.
'Tis true, I have chanc'd in my wanderings to meet
With _some_ secrets; and _such_ anecdotes _cou'd_ repeat!
However, no matter; I give you my word,
That who wrote this fine Poem, I never yet heard;
But it much wou'd delight me the truth to discover,
Altho' I shou'd fly for it all the world over:
What say you, SIR ARGUS, the fact to insure,
Suppose we were both to set out on a tour?"

"Agreed! my good Sir; far as England extends,
Then together we'll travel, and visit our friends:
Endeavour to find out the name of our Poet,
And e'er we return, ten to one but we know it."
A tempting repast they now hastily shar'd, [p 11]
Of grain and dried cherries, already prepar'd:
Then sipping some drops from a neighbouring spring,
Made no further delay, but directly took wing.

Awhile they fled on, over meadow, thro' grove,
Delighted, for novelty's sake, thus to rove:
Yet sometimes alighted, preferring a walk,
The PEACOCK for ease, and the PARROT for talk;