A METROPOLITAN METAMORPHOSIS.
THE DYING SWAN.
(Latest Version, a long way after the Laureate.)
"THAMES 'SWAN UPPING.'—The QUEEN'S swanherd and the officials of the Dyers' and Vintners' Companies arrived at Windsor yesterday on their annual 'swan-upping' visit, for the purpose of marking or 'nicking' the swans and cygnets belonging to HER MAJESTY, and the Companies interested in the preservation of the birds that haunt the stream between London and Henley. It is said that the Thames swans are steadily decreasing owing to the traffic on the upper reaches of the river, and other causes detrimental to their breeding."—The Times.
I.
July was wet,—a thing not rare—
With sodden ground and chilly air;
The sky presented everywhere