"Oh, beautiful wild duck, it pains me to see,
You flying aloft in that gone sort of way,
Sweet one, fare you well. I could shed many tears,
But my deepest emotions I never betray.
"I've always admired you, wonderful bird,
By the light of the sun and the rays of the moon;
I tell you 'tis more than a fox can endure,
To know that you take your departure so soon.
"I snatched a few feathers, in memory of you;
I desired a whole wing, but you baffled my plan;
Oh, what a memento to hang in my den!
And in very hot weather to use as a fan.
"Descend, O, thou beautiful creature, to earth!
There's nothing I would not perform for your sake;
If once in awhile I could see you down here,
I'd never get tired of the shores of this lake!"
"Cheer up, Mr. Fox," said the duck, flying higher,
"The parting of such friends is sometimes a boon;
When they get far away, and have time to reflect,
They see that it came not a moment too soon.
"You wanted a wild wing to fan yourself with;
You see if I granted that favor to you,
'Twould have left me but one, which is hardly enough,
As I find it convenient, just now, to have two."
Then she faded away, a dark speck on the sky.
"That's a very shrewd bird," said the fox in dismay!
"I shall have to look round for my dinner, again,
And I fancy it will not be wild duck to-day."