Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1877 — For THe UNION. A Fable. [ARTICLE]

For THe UNION. A Fable.

Lord Robin was perched on a favorite limb, Rehearsing a theme for liis next matin hymn Whose opening notes wore a sounding staccato, Then softened his cadence to a wurbling legato. Ho changed his position for one more at ease; Then gushed forth his strains in the hope of achieving Applause from his peers of the grove, while weaving The thread of hi« song through the warp of the trees. His Lady was hear in a bush, and enjoyed The harmony rich while intently employed Constructing her nest with her twigs and her twists, To protect her young brood from the storms and cold mists So frequent in spring in that far northern clime. Her lord she’d instructed, should visitors come, To inform them politely, “She’s not at home; ’■ “Please call on my lady at some future time.” Dame Robin was watchful, industrious, and prest Forward her labor of'constructing her nest. That afternoon’s storm had somewhat deranged Her plans for the future, and she luid arranged Her materials on hand with a view to combine The useful with strength, and thought it her duty To order her lodge more for safety than beauty; Her hopes lor the future this home should contiue.

In the midst of his carol Rob made a pause; He fancied he heard a faint sound of applause.— Dame Robin addressed him: “Dear Rob, can t you brim* “Mo a strip or a shred, a thong or a string “To weave through our hut, to bind it together? “And Kobie, (le ir Rob, I beseech you beware “Of the ‘snake in the grass,’ the hawk in the air, “And don’t soil your vest, nor ruffle a feather.” Robin was gallant—in his way lie was brave; Would scorn the impeachment ol petticoat slave; His heart was impressive; a smile from his spouse Would waken his actions, his efforts would rou e. . : 3 lie sped on his errand and soon found a string;' He eeiled it up neatly and placed fn his beak,*'* And closed on it tightly for fear he would speak On his passage; then for home he took wing. The sheen of his plumage was lustrous and bright, As he cleft with his pinions the sun’s gleaming light; Careering iu mid-air his consort .he sought, With his prize closely clutched —his mind half distraught With the theme of his song. While floating away A strain of his ditty came into his head, When out gushed the music, and exit the thread! With this sad denouement thus close? our lay! J MODAL. The moral’s apparent, that whoever tells His story in rhyme, or in tragedy swells His hour on the stage, or in music excels Is seldom an expert, in anything else!

I. J. D.