[Note V.]

Here the mistrustful fowl no harm suspects.

The canal in St James's park formed a decoy for water-fowl, with which it was stocked. This circumstance, like the former, is noticed by Waller:

Whilst over head a flock of new-sprung fowl

Hangs in the air and does the sun controul.

Darkening the air, they hover o'er, and shrowd

The wanton sailors with a feathered cloud.

The water-fowl, thus celebrated, were particular favourites of the king, who fed them with his own hand. His affection for his dogs and ducks is noticed in many a libel.

[Note VI.]

Thus from your Royal Oak, like Jove's of old,