University of Virginia Library

The Gold Fish.

In globe of glass, and crystal tide,
A graceful, golden form did glide,
Still, in its shelter'd waveless sea,
As happy as a fish could be.
—But discontent it seems has place
Even with the quiet, finny race,
For raising oft a sadden'd eye,
It heav'd a solitary sigh;
Desiring some companion gay
With whom to gambol and to play.
—Its gentle master, ever prone
To make another's wo his own,
And able well to comprehend
The priceless value of a friend,
Did to its weakness condescend,
And for his beauteous favorite bought
A kindred spirit, as he thought.
—But how the sequel shall I trace!
That very night, the stranger, base,
Destroyed the gentle, trusting fish,
Whose only sin had been the wish,
Not quite alone, without a mate,
Life's little sea to navigate.
—Then those who saw its death-clos'd eye
So dim, beneath the waters lie,
Might think they heard a pitying sigh
Soft to their heart this warning send,
“Be careful how you choose a friend.”