Poetry
Cardinal Wolsey and the Kingfisher
A BALLAD Now Wolsey was a Cardinal, Who paced his garden rare, Where velvet lawn and wondrous bloont Made all a picture fair.
And there he had a good board spread With viands and with wine Where he with his retainers sat In open air to dine.
Came suddenly a kingfisher Amid the merry clatter And flashing, took a peacock's head _From off a golden platter.
Retainers all seized divers stones To stone the bird to death, But Wolsey laughing bid them stay, And when he had his breath : " There is enough for both " quoth he, " Much taken—much is left, I count but small what is of earth. I give--there is no theft I" " And mark you well, who givetli moat' Still More shall he retain, 'Tis good to have what Kingly ones Accept without disdain."
" Then, is my herald, fortunate " . Rang forth another voice,.
" That Wolsey asks to share his wealth And adds a blessing choice ! "
The King ! Sprang Wolsey to his feet—.
" I had not marked you, Sire ! Thy winged herald," Wolsey said; "-Has spoiled lily fond desire ! •
" For fain would I make gift to thee Of yonder turrets red And all that is within thy view • ' Exceptn Peacock's head! " The burly Monarch laughing,, cried : "A princely gift and jest ; Keep thou thy head, Lord Cardi nal; And sit thou here—my guest! "
- R. H. MALCOLM:
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