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.
"Bc silent, wild birds!
Why stare you so?
Stop laughing, rude waves.
And help me to go!
"For I am the queen
Of the ocean here,
And this cruel stone
Cannot make me fear."
Dashing fiercely up,
With a scornful word,
Foolish Bubble broke;
But Rock never stirred.
Then said the sea-birds,
Sitting in their nests,
To the little ones
Leaning on their breasts,—
"Be not like Bubble,
Headstrong, rude, and vain.
Seeking by violence
Your object to gain;
