The National Register.
London, England, 1814-12-25 00:00:00

r)r, CA::

his superintendence. And unless the Divine, to whose
awful duties we are required by the scriptures to pay submis-
sive obedience, enforce and prosecute his arduous ministerial
function with unabated zeal, his classical acquirements will be
'but little estimated.

By this short sketch we may comprehend the great utility ,
of Perseverance in every useful undertaking, fur without it
the brightest genius will often find his shining talents other-
wise blazing forth as * splendid meteor, bst for want of per- '
sisting in his ingenious designs: but endued with this accom-
plishment, moderate abilities commonly surpass the most
sanguine expectations. The flights of genius may dazzle for
a season, as the glow of the ruby ; but Perseverance, by cat e-
fol;y removing every stone which obstructs the path, and
keeping the desired
.object constantly in view, not unfre-
quently eclipses she momentary flashes of those, who, not-
withstanding their superior faculties are nevertheless, for
want of:pplication, more transient meteors of fancy
A mote apposite moral apologue than the subjoined,
which I have presumed to transcribe for the young reader's
improvement, cannot, I think, be adduced, pai ticularly
when the great contrast between the tardiness of the tortoi4e,
and the swiltnefs of the hare, is duly impres,ed on the tender
mind, as appropriate emblems of moderate Abi I ities with per-
severance, and brilliant imagination and genius with inde-
cibion.

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.

In days of yore, when time was young,
When birds einivers'd as well as sling;
When use of speech was not confiii'l
Merely to brutes of human I:hide.-
A forward hare. of swiftness vain,
The genius of the iseiglibiring plan.
Would oft deride the drudging crowd---
For geniuses are sometimes proud :
ile'd bassi. his flight 'twtre vain to follow,
I'or dog and horse he'd beat them hollow ;
Nay, if lie pet forth all his ettene,th,
Outstrip his brethren halt a length.
A tortoise heard i.is vain oration,
Aid vented this his indignation :
Oh, puss! it bodes thee dire disgrace,
X.Viieit I deft thee to the race.
Come, 'tin a match ; nay, no denial,.
i lay my shell upon the tiial.
':'was done, cud done ! ell fair ! a bet !
Judges prepar'il, and distance set.
fhe scamp'ring hare outstr:pp'd Find;
Thv epecping tortoise Inge'd behind,
A'.d scarce lied pess'il a sink.
btu pus. had almost reacted the goal.
Frit:tic! tortoise, quetli the jeering butt'.
"Yeer burden's more than you can bear;
'To niply your •peed it etc as well
Th.it I should ease you of your shell:
.rog on a little faster, pi'y thee ;
take a nup, und then be with thee.
5:0 so done. and safely •tire,
For say, what coittrient more secure ?
7Vbitie'er he wak'd, Well all that's in It,
could o'ertake hi t, in a nuinnte.
Tee tortoise heard his jninitiog jeer,
jai r still.resolv'd percerere ;
Sti:! -Iced along, as uho should say,
is in, like Fabius, by delay ;
Cu to the prat, Wein fy crept,
AV bile puss, unknowing, soundly s'crt.
The bets were even, the hare 2'weke,
When thus the victor tortoise spoke :
Pass, though I °inn thy quicker parts,
Things are not always done by starts;
You may deride my awkward pace,
Wit slew and steady wins the race.—Lto‘ D.
C hard Siicct, Salford, Manchester, Nov. 11) 1011,

1. C.