THE JAY AND I—A DIALOGUE

“What’s that you say, you funny Jay? I like your beauty, but not your way, Though fond of all the winged tribe. Is it hoo-ray, Or some hey-day?” Then Jay began his varied gibe: “I’m a Blue Jay; That’s what I say; Dja-ay! dja-ay! dja-ay!” (How will he myself describe, With naught from me that he’ll imbibe?) “I’ve more display, More in my yea, More in my nay, Than you convey; Dja-ay! dja-ay!” “’Tis true, Blue Jay, but too much pride; You shout and rouse the country side; Nor can I see The fun or glee, For birds or me In your vanity. Whoever is it such can bide? You dashing Jay, you want my hide?” “Never a day; I’m a Blue-ming Jay With top-knot gay, And mine to stay— Dja-ay! dja-ay!”

“More pomp you have than all your fellows; All who see you, All who hear you— ‘I’m the Jay Blue With a top-knot too—’ All wonder why you strain your bellows.” “Hoo-ray! hoo-ray!—back to the wall! When I’m stirred up, I always squall, Retreat, I say, You bunch of clay, Away; away! I’m King Blue Jay, A monarch here and lord of all; Dja-ay! dja-ay! dja-ay!” “But listen, Jay, just stop a spell— On Friday, luckless day, they tell, That you will dare to visit hell; ’Tis only Friday, But always Friday— If there you stray. Then why I pray?” “It’s not your business, know you well, Why I on Friday go to hell.[10] Dja-ay! dja-ay!” “My final word you may forestall; But I tell you plainly pride must fall; Old Pride is evil, born of the devil.” While flouncing so free In a white oak tree, Quite noisily, He answered me, With piercing eye, and look of evil: “Hoo-ray! hoo-ray! I’m a blooming Jay— The devil, you say? It’s all my way— Dja-ay! dja-ay! dja-ay!”