That the waves keep very still to hear.
They all sing out in a merry tone,
They all sing together—save two alone.
With mournful voice ever croaking low,
Sing, happy birds! says the aged crow,
Blest little birds! sing, for you may,
You did not die from home far away!”
How this noble ballad would have stirred the hearts of the authors of “The Lay of the Last Minstrel” and of “Christabel”!
§ 24. Authors of fiction, from early times, have made use of rings for their scenes. Shakspeare not unfrequently introduces them; indeed the most interesting portion of Cymbeline is worked up through the wager of a ring as to the honor of the heroine. Imogen, in taking leave of Posthumus, says:
“——— Look here, love;