The following lines, by Miss Crosby, an inmate of the Institution for the Blind, were suggested by the capture of a humming bird, which flew in at a window of the institution, not long ago. It is scarcely needful to add that the intercession of the blind pleader was successful.
- I know thou wouldst not harm me,
- A little helpless thing;
- For, Lady, with a gentle hand
- Thou strok'st my glossy wing!
- But do not keep me longer
- A captive here to sigh,
- My parent bower is lovely yet —
- Oh, thither let me fly!
- Thou canst not tame me. I was formed
- As free as air to roam:
- Though prisoned in a gilded cage.
- It would not be my home.
- My tiny wings would flutter,
- Then I should droop and die;
- For I love the laughing zephyr,
- And the clear blue summer sky.
- Dost think me happy while I sip
- The fragrance from these flowers?
- Alas! They but remind me
- Of summer's by-gone hours!
- I soon shall press their withered cheeks,
- And feel their latest sigh;
- My parent bower is lovely yet —
- Oh, thither let me fly!
- Dear Lady, for a moment
- I'll rest upon thy hand
- Then, bear away thy fond caress
- To a fair distant land.
- For I must leave, till spring return,
- My native Northern sky —
- To bid my parent bower adieu,
- Sweet Lady! let me fly!
- N.Y. Com. Advertiser.