Now talk'd of this, and then of that, "Stretch'd at its ease, the beast I view'd "I've seen it, sir, as well as you, "And must again affirm it blue; “At leisure I the beast survey'd "Extended in the cooling shade." 669 "'Tis green, 'tis green, sir, I assure ye." "Green!" cries the other in a fury; 66 Why, sir-d'ye think I've lost my eyes? "'Twere no great loss," the friend replies, "For, if they always serve you thus "You'll find 'em but of little use!" So high at last the contest rose, From words they almost came to blows; When luckily came by a third: To him the question they referr'd; And begged he'd tell 'em if he knew Whether the thing was green or blue. 66 Sirs," ," cries the umpire, cease your pother; "The creature's neither one nor t'other. 66 "I caught the animal last night, Produced the beast, and lo!-'twas white! 66 My children," the Chameleon cried, (Then first the creature found a tongue,) "Nor wonder if you find that none "Prefer your eyesight to their own!" Merrick. 66 25. THE SANDS O' DEE. "O MARY, go and call the cattle home, "And call the cattle home, "And call the cattle home, "Across the sands o' Dee!" The western wind was wild and dank with foam, And all alone went she. The creeping tide came up along the sand, And o'er and o'er the sand, And round and round the sand. As far as ye could see; The blinding mist came down and hid the land. Oh, is it weed, or fish, or floating hair? O' drowned maiden's hair, Above the nets at sea. Was never salmon yet that shone so fair They row'd her in across the rolling foam, The cruel hungry foam, To her grave beside the sea: But still the boatmen have heard her call the cattle home, Across the sands o' Dee. JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 66 Though wedded we have been "These twice ten tedious years, yet we "No holiday have seen. "To-morrow is our wedding-day, "And we will then repair "Unto the Bell at Edmonton, "All in a chaise and pair. Kingsley. My sister, and my sister's child, "Myself and children three, "Will fill the chaise; so you must ride "On horseback after we." He soon replied, "I do admire "Of womankind but one, "And you are she, my dearest dear, "Therefore it shall be done. "I am a linen-draper bold, "As all the world doth know, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; That though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Where they did all get in; Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folks so glad, The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side For saddle-tree scarce reach'd had he, When, turning round his head he saw So down he came; for loss of time, 'Twas long before the customers When Betty screaming came down stairs, "The wine is left behind!" "Good lack!" quoth he-" yet bring it me, "My leathern belt likewise, "In which I bear my trusty sword, "When I do exercise." Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Had two stone bottles found, To hold the liquor that she loved, And keep it safe and sound. Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, |