FANCY'S FRIEND.
225
But the great rock stood
Straight up in the sea:
It looked gravely down,
And said pleasantly,—
"Little friend, you must
Go some other way;
For I have not stirred
This many a long day.
"Great billows have dashed,
And angry winds blown;
But my sturdy form
Is not overthrown.
"Nothing can stir me
In the air or sea;
Then, how can I move,
Little friend, for thee?"
Then the waves all laughed,
In their voices sweet;
And the sea-birds looked,
From their rocky seat,
At the bubble gay,
Who angrily cried,
While its round cheek glowed
With a foolish pride,—
"You shall move for me;
And you shall not mock
At the words I say,
You ugly, rough rock!
"Be silent, wild birds!
Why stare you so?
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