THE DYING SWAN.

_(Latest Version, a long way after the Laureate.)_

"THAMES 'SWAN UPPING.'--The QUEEN'S swanherd and the officials
of the Dyers' and Vintners' Companies arrived at Windsor
yesterday on their annual 'swan-upping' visit, for the purpose
of marking or 'nicking' the swans and cygnets belonging to HER
MAJESTY, and the Companies interested in the preservation of
the birds that haunt the stream between London and Henley. It
is said that the Thames swans are steadily decreasing owing
to the traffic on the upper reaches of the river, and other
causes detrimental to their breeding."--_The Times_.

I.

July was wet,--a thing not rare--
With sodden ground and chilly air;
The sky presented everywhere
A low-pitched roof of doleful grey;
With a rain-flusht flood the river ran;
Adown it floated a dying Swan,
And loudly did lament.
It was the middle of the day,
The "Swanherd" and his men went on,
"Nicking" the cygnets as they went.

II.