THE STATE SECRET.

At one of those parties where Julia's sweet face

Added interest to beauty, and archness to grace,

Where many fine folks met; and one very great,

Proud and stupid, an embryo minister sate;

Like a damper he came to put good humour out,

And it chanced that, as Julia's pet-bird flew about.

It presumptuously‘ lit on this mighty man's head;

When her lore-laughing sister, sweet Eleanor, said,

“Naughty bird! I must cage you for being so rude,

On Lord ——— head, oh! how dare you intrude?”

“Let it rest,” replied Julia, with an exquisite grace,

“Do n't frighten it off — for it likes a soft place!”