THE INDIAN CONVERT. Though others often gaze in vain, The ram, the twins, the shining goat, To him are things of little note: And that which now adorns the bear, Thus nature waiting at his call, 45 THE INDIAN CONVERT. (AMERICAN MUSEUM.) WHEN our fathers were driven by British oppression, Of their dear native country to quit the possession, 46 MONSIEUR KANIFERSTANE. Now zealous to propagate christian religion They courted the natives with generous liquor, To make you such presents, and treat you so kindly?' He answer'd, I gave them a piece out of scripture, Quoth he to himself, So I will if I'm able,' Quoth he⚫ I mean cider, why could not you guess?? MONSIEUR KANIFERSTANE. ONCE on a time, a little French Marquis, At Dieppe, he found a sloop just under weigh, MONSIEUR KANIFERSTANE. Wind and tide serving, off he sail'd away, 47 There, faint and languid, for a space he doz’d; Till, from the increas'd commotion in the vessel, That land might be in sight he well suppos'd; So to the deck he climb'd with empty maw, And, sure enough, Dutch terra-firma saw. While in the cabin sick and sad he lay, Tho' a true Frenchman be ne'er dreamt of talking; But, when on deck his spirits grew more gay, And his blood 'gan to circulate with walking, He recollected that he had a tongue. Now, tho' a Frenchman, French with ease can jabber, And doubtless thinks all other ears are hung Than that which first he learn'd from Mother Such was the case of all this trunk-hos'd crew. The marquis struck with wonder and delight, Enraptur'd gaz'd on objects all so new; At length a sumptuous palace caught his sight, Which, proudly rising from the water's side, Shew'd its new-painted front with flow'rets gay, While trim responsive gardens spreading wide, Display'd Dutch taste in regular array. Anxious to know who own'd the pleasing scene, The marquis bowing, with a grinning face, Demanded of a tar. in French I ween, To whom belong'd that most enchanting place?? The tar, who knew as much of French as Greek, Ey'd him at first with something like disdain; Then as he shifted round his quid to speak, With growling voice, cry'd 'Ik kan niet verstaan.* • This means, "I do not understand you." 48 MONSIEUR KANIFERSTANE. Oh! oh' reply'd the marquis, 'does it so? But, then, the size and grandeur of the plan! While he thus spoke, the sailors anchor cast, Of gold and silver, pearls and jewels rare; Mousieur pray tell me who's that lovely dame?" The civil Dutchman bow'd to him again, And gently answer'd 'Ik kan niet verstaan.' What Monsieur Kaniferstane's wife!' the marquis cry'd, He who has got yon gay and sumptuous house? Well! that some men have luck can 't be deny'd; What! such an edifice, and such a spouse! Ma foi! I think I never should complain, Had I the lot of Monsieur Kaniferstane.' As on the morrow, through the streets he pass'd, Gazing on the pretty sights about, On a large open hall his sight he cast, Where bustling crowds were going in and out. Joining the throng, he entrance soon obtain'd, And found the people much engaged to see The numbers which the blanks and prizes gain'd In their high mightinesses' lottery. Some laugh'd, some wept, some groan'd and some exclaim'd. In all the spirit of true castle-builders, THE TOPER AND THE FLIES. 49 When, on a sudden, a loud voice proclaim'd 6 And such a garden, too, and such a wife! With all these treasures, Monsieur Kaniferstane! Pray, Monsieur, whose grand burial may this be?' The baker, as he turn'd to shop again, Reply'd most gravely, 'Ik kan niet verstaan." 6 'Mon Dieu!' exclaim'd the marquis, what pity! Monsieur Kaniferstane! with surprise! He had the noblest palace in this city! And such a wife! and such a glorious prize! THE TOPER AND THE FLIES. (PINDAR.) A GROUP of topers at a table sat, With punch, that much regales the thirsty soul: Flies soon the party join'd, and join'd the chat, Humming and pitching, round the mantling bowl. F |