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43
GOUT AND WINGS.
The pigeons flutter'd fieldward, one and all,I saw the swallows wheel, and soar, and dive;
The little bees hung pois'd before the hive,
Even Partlet hois'd herself across the wall:
I felt my earth-bound lot in every limb,
And, in my envious mood, I half-rebell'd;
When lo! an insect cross'd the page I held,
A little helpless minim, slight and slim;
Ah! sure, there was no room for envy there,
But gracious aid and condescending care;
Alas! my pride and pity were mispent,
The atom knew his strength, and rose in air!
My gout came tingling back, as off he went,
A wing was open'd at me everywhere!
44
GOUT AND WINGS Continued
PODAGER BEGS PARDON OF BIRDS, BEES, AND WINGS IN GENERAL.
Pardon me, all ye birds that float at ease,That I begrudg'd your fleet aërial joys;
And thou, poor Partlet! and ye little bees,
That hum and hover with a pleasant noise
About your homes of honey! 'twas a spirt
Of spleen—a peevish murmur of disease,
And not a measur'd curse to do you hurt:
And thou! who for a moment did'st displease,
Commission'd to rebuke my pride, and spring
Thy tiny pennons on me unaware;
Thy smart and sudden lesson was the thing
I needed.—Thou art gone I know not where!
But I have seen, beside my gouty chair,
A chiding angel, of the smallest wing.
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