Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/427

---

---

A stout Sea-Captain once, who knew no fears,
But lacked the prudence that became his years.
⁠Resolved to put to sea:
What though the wind was high, the skies were wild.
⁠Little recked he;
⁠Vain was the Pilot's warning;
Still came the same reply, all danger scorning—
"It will be nothing"—and the Captain smiled.
⁠A Parrot sat on board.
And caught the refrain of the Captain's word;
And all the while the good ship rushed ahead
"It will be nothing," still the Parrot said.
Long time by adverse winds the barque was tossed;
⁠The course was lost;
At last they lay becalmed; short store of bread,
No land in sight, all hearts disquieted.
⁠The Captain spoke no word;
"It will be nothing," still repeats the Bird.
And day by day the measured food ran short.
⁠Till, as a last resort
(The crew were starving and no help was nigh),
⁠Even the sailors' pets.
⁠Macaws and Parroquets,
To still their hunger, all were doomed to die.
Sadly the Parrot sat and drooped his head;
"It will be nothing," feebly still he said.
Meanwhile his cage stood open on the deck—
He might have saved himself if he had tried;