The Kite And The Nightingale.

[1]      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?[2] 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.[3]