CHANTICLEER.

As I roamed t'other day,

Neighbour Hop, in my way

I discovered a nice rotten plum,

Which you know is a treat;

And, to taste of the sweet,

A swarm of relations had come.

So we all settled round,

As it lay on the ground,

And were feasting ourselves with delight;

But, for want of more thought

To have watched, as we ought,

We were suddenly seized — and held tight.

In a human clenched hand,

Where, unable to stand,

We were twisted and tumbled about;

But, perceiving a chink,

You will readily think

I exerted myself — I got out.

How the rest got away

I really can n't say;

But I flew with such ardour and glee.

That again, unawares,

I got into the snares

Of my foe Mr. Spider, you see;

Who so fiercely came out

Of his hole, that no doubt

He expected that I was secure:

But he found‘ twould not do,

For I forced my way through,

Overjoyed on escaping, you're sure.

But I'll now take my leave,

For the clouds I perceive

Are darkening over the sky;

The sun has gone in,

And I really begin

To feel it grow colder.— Good bye!