A TALE.* IN Scotland's realms, where trees are few, For husband there and wife may boast And false ones are as rare almost *This tale is founded on an article which appeared in the Buckinghamshire Herald, Saturday, June 1, 1793:“Glasgow, May 23. In a block, or pulley, near the head of the mast of a gabert, now lying at the Broomielaw, there is a chaffinch's nest and four eggs. The nest was built while the vessel lay at Greenock, and was followed hither by both birds. Though the block is occasionally lowered for the inspection of the curious, the birds have not forsaken the nest. The cock, however, visits the nest but seldom, while the hen never leaves it, but when she descends to the hull for food." VOL. VIII. B In Scotland's realm forlorn and bare The history chanced of late The history of a wedded pair, The spring drew near, each felt a breast With genial instinct fill'd; They pair'd, and would have built a nest, But found not where to build. The heaths uncover'd and the moors Long time a breeding-place they sought, At length a ship arriving brought A ship?—could such a restless thing Or was the merchant charged to bring Hush-silent hearers profit most- Proved kinder to them than the coast, But such a tree! 'twas shaven deal, And had a hollow with a wheel Through which the tackle pass'd. Within that cavity aloft Their roofless home they fix'd, Form'd with materials neat and soft, Bents, wool, and feathers mix'd. Four ivory eggs soon pave its floor With russet specks bedightThe vessel weighs, forsakes the shore, And lessens to the sight. The mother-bird is gone to sea, But No-soon as from ashore he saw The winged mansion move, He flew to reach it, by a law Then perching at his consort's side, The billows and the blast defied, And cheer'd her with a song. |