TOUCH NOT THE LITTLE BIRDS

Translated from Le Chevalier de Châtelain by the late E. C. MOGRIDGE.

]n nature ail things serve an end And t'wards some useful purpose bend, Existence owns without a flaw The will of God? who works by law :

Shall children's acts such rule deny Fired with a strange perversity, And can we suffer idle youth Its brutal thirst to satisfy

By improvising death, in truth ?

Malicious urchins, cease unworthy spite,

Respect thèse hosts that watch our meadows o'er, So sweet in varied song, so swift in Aigrit,

Disturb with wanton touch the birds no more !

It was not by Divine caprice

That God ordained the wide increase

Of fluttering warblers, or to please The echoes, or the wandering breeze, But for our benent and good — Within the valley, field, and wood,

For order, guardianship, and care, From many a hurtful neighbourhood, That ail thèse feather'd watchmen are, So, wanton urchins, once more act aright,

Protect the birds above our hills that soar, M oies t them not when they alight,

Disturb with cruel glee the birds no more !

Thèse dwellers in the hedges gay, The caterpillars' foes alway, Bohemian ruddy-breast and wren Are guardian angels, sure, to men, And patient, curious architects, As varied as their dialects ;

And while each insect in the air Is slain, as instinct swift directs, Increases man's empire and share !

O ! foolish youngsters, why then dare you smite

The useful birds that so increase our store ? Mark them on pinions airy, free, and bright, But scare with vain attack the birds no more !

Thèse generous guardians ail unpaid Unto the farmer bring their aid, Small sentinels around his land, O charming, active, songster-band !

For ever wandering, vigilant, Or, on the ground, or wing aslant Above the tender ears of corn ; Filling the air, their notes enchant, And usher in the joyous morn.

A truce, ye children — never choose delight

That after years will cause you to déplore. Love well your harmless friends in song and flight, And seek to injure gentle birds no more !