University of Virginia Library

‘Ay,’ said The Partridge, with his Foot and Bill
Crimson with raking Rubies from the Hill,
And clattering his Spurs—‘Wherewith the Ground
‘I stab,’ said he, ‘for Rubies, that, when found
I swallow; which, as soon as swallow'd, turn
To Sparks which through my beak and eyes do burn.
Gold, as you say, is but dull Metal dead,
And hanging on the Hoarder's Soul like Lead:
But Rubies that have Blood within, and grown
And nourisht in the Mountain Heart of Stone,

272

Burn with an inward Light, which they inspire,
And make their Owners Lords of their Desire.’
To whom the Tájidár—‘As idly sold
To the quick Pebble as the drowsy Gold,
As dead when sleeping in their mountain mine
As dangerous to Him who makes them shine:
Slavish indeed to do their Lord's Commands,
And slave-like, aptest to escape his Hands,
And serve a second Master like the first,
And working all their wonders for the worst.’