The Kite And The Nightingale.

A noted thief, the kite, Had set a neighbourhood in fright, And raised the clamorous noise Of all the village boys, When, by misfortune,—sad to say,— A nightingale fell in his way. Spring's herald begg'd him not to eat A bird for music—not for meat. 'O spare!' cried she, 'and I'll relate 'The crime of Tereus and his fate.'— 'What's Tereus? Is it food for kites?'— 'No, but a king, of female rights The villain spoiler, whom I taught A lesson with repentance fraught; And, should it please you not to kill, My song about his fall Your very heart shall thrill, As it, indeed, does all.'— Replied the kite, a 'pretty thing! When I am faint and famishing, To let you go, and hear you sing?'— 'Ah, but I entertain the king!'— 'Well, when he takes you, let him hear Your tale, full wonderful, no doubt; For me, a kite, I'll go without.' An empty stomach hath no ear.