THE TWO SPARROWS.
Reading edition
A FABLE.
Two Sparrows, prisoned in a room, Kept, every now and then, Dashing against the window-panes, Which threw them back again: And many a time, with trembling heart, They flew towards the light, But something which they could not see Still stopped them in their flight:
A-tired they hopped about the floor, And watched the sunshine gay, And each one asked within himself "Why ca'nt I get away?" Another try: another dash, As though with heart and soul; And one, by chance, the barrier broke, And bounded through the hole.
His comrade heard the merry chirp He gave till out of sight, Then, fluttering round, to free himself He tried with all his might. But at that moment Puss came in, And on him cast an eye, Then took the trembler in her claws And taught him how to die.
MORAL.
How oft in life, though never meant, Men gain their point by Accident, Or Chance—that foe to 'stablished rules; The guiding-star of knaves and fools.