THE SWAN.
The Swan (Cygnus olor), being identified with Orpheus, and called also the bird of Apollo, the god of music, powers of song have been often attributed to it, and as often denied:—
“I will play the swan, and die in music.”
Othello, Act v. Sc. 2.
“A swan-like end, fading in music.”
Merchant of Venice, Act iii. Sc. 2.
Prince Henry, at his father’s death-bed, exclaims,—
“’Tis strange that death should sing!
I am the cygnet to this pale, faint swan,
Who chants a doleful hymn to his own death;