The Magpie's Nest

A FABLE    When the Arts in their infancy were,     In a fable of old 'tis express'd   A wise magpie constructed that rare     Little house for young birds, call'd a nest.   This was talk'd of the whole country round;     You might hear it on every bough sung,   "Now no longer upon the rough ground     Will fond mothers brood over their young:"   "For the magpie with exquisite skill     Has invented a moss-cover'd cell   Within which a whole family will     In the utmost security dwell." UNKNOWN