They flirt and flounce with many a quack and blow,
Those ducks intoxicate with summer rain;
Then deeply dive, and hidden long below,
From unexpected places rise again.
Thus our old playmates in life's widening stream,
Amid the crossing currents disappear,
Yet haply show again as in a dream
With startling gladness after many a year.

THE TAME HARE.

Was never beast so cautious seen
As Tiny our pet hare;
He sniffs at dado, chair, and screen,
With such suspicious care.
Yet when his nightly quest is o'er,
Each rift and corner scanned,
He'll spring around and snatch his store
Of parsley from my hand.
With Puss let all suspicion end;
The jealous heart will rue;
Ah! never doubt an ancient friend,
Though wary with the new.