And as the Nightingale delays, And banters 'em for several Days; A Magpye in the Field at play Heard how he made the Courtiers stay, Goes home and there relates the Story, The Message, and the Bird's Vain glory, T' an Owl, who from his Infancy Had liv'd in the same Family; And adds, why don't you take a Flight? I've often heard you sing at Night; When wak'd by our unlucky Boys. Says the Owl, I know I have no Voice As well as you: But if you hear me, Young Jackanaps you need not jeer me. By _George_, says Mag, I'm not in jest, What though the Nightingale sings best, He is so proud, takes so much state, A thing I know all Princes hate, That if y'are there before the other, Who wants such Courtship, keeps such pother, I don't know but your solemn Face, And modest Mein may get the place. I'll go my self for Company: } And Mag discoursed so winingly, } The Match is made away they fly. } The King by this time thought it long To stay for a Nocturnal Song When Master Magpy, and his Friend, Were just come to their Journy's end. They told their Business modestly, And are lodg'd on the Royal Tree. The Owl sets up his Note at Night, At which the Eagle laugh'd out right, Then went to sleep and two Hours after He wak'd, and wanted to make Water. Call'd to his Watch, who presently Jump'd in, and cry'd Sir, Here am I. So, tho his Owlship could not sing, His watchfulness had pleas'd the King. Next day arrives the Nightingale, With his Attendance at his Tail. His Majesty would by no Means } Admit him to an Audience; } But sends a stately Bird of Sence, } Who thus accosted him. Signior, Whom we so long have waited for; Since Yesterday a Bird came hither, As grave as ever wore a Feather, Who without promise of Reward Last Night has serv'd upon the Guard, With him to Morrow Night the King Has order'd you to watch and sing, Says Nightingale, what do I care For Orders? I am free, and swear My Master-lays shall mix with none, They make a Consort of their own: But who has so much vanity, That dares pretend to sing with me? And hearing twas th' _Athenian_ Bird, He star'd and cou'd not speak a Word, Grew pale, and swell'd, his Wind came short, And Anger overwhelm'd his Heart. He foams at Mouth, and raves, and blusters, And utters all his Words in Clusters. A King! a Devil, stupid Fowl, That can compare me to an Owl! Pray says the Courtier, have a Care, Consider in what place you are; But, as the Fool would hear no Reason, He went, and left him sputt'ring Treason, Then told what happen'd to the King, Who said he'd never hear him sing; The Owl should be kept in his Place, And th' other punish'd with Disgrace; He wisely weigh'd one's Complaisance Against the other's Insolence,