THE OWL AND THE BAT.
BY PALMER COX.
Oh, lively was the group of birds that met on Beaver Flat
The night on which the hooting owl was wedded to the bat!
It was a sight that summer night to see them gather there;
Some came by water, some by land, and others through the air.
The eagle quit the mountain-peak to mix with meaner fowl,
And like a comrade act the part of groomsman to the owl;
The friendly stork had hastened there with long and stately stride;
It was its happy privilege to give away the bride.
And when arrangements were complete, a circle wide they made,
And in the centre stood the pair, in finest dress arrayed.
Then out in front advanced the crow, and bowed his shining head,
And with three loud approving caws declared the couple wed.
Then kind congratulations poured from friends on every side,
As thronging round the happy pair, they kissed the blushing bride.
And soon the supper was prepared, for each had brought a share.
The crow and jay had carried corn; the eagle brought a hare;
The curlew brought a string of fish just taken from the lake;
The crane, a brace of speckled frogs; the buzzard brought a snake;
The owl and active hawk procured a dozen mice, at least;
The snipe and rail brought water-flies to help along the feast.
And when each bird upon the ground enjoyed a hearty meal,
They whistled tunes, and sang their songs, or danced a lively reel.
Around the green with stately mien the dodo and curlew
Moved like a pair of lovers there through dances old and new,
While wing to wing and toe to toe, with loud and joyous cries,
The stork and raven danced as though competing for a prize.
That night good feeling was restored between the hawk and jay,
Who had not passed a friendly look or word for many a day;
And birds that always went to roost before the shades of night
Now hopped around upon the ground until the morning light.
And people long will call to mind the scene on Beaver Flat
The night on which the hooting owl was wedded to the bat.
HIS FIRST LETTER.