Both the eye to delight, and the table to crown, With a jack, or a perch, when my uncles come down. while, An exceeding great wood, that's been set a great Thus spectres arise, as by nurse-maids we're told, THE BLACKBIRDS. By the Rev. RICHARD JAGO, M.A. THE sun had chas'd the mountain snow, The melting streams began to flow, "T was then, amid the vocal throng, Whom nature wakes to mirth and love, A BLACKBIRD rais'd his am'rous song, And thus it echo'd through the grove. "O fairest of the feather'd train! For whom I sing, for whom I burn, Attend with pity to my strain, And grant my love a kind return. I "For, see, the wintry storms are flown, And gently Zephyrs fan the air; Let us the genial influence own, Let us the vernal pastime share. "The raven plumes his jetty wing The larks responsive ditties sing, "But trust me, love, the raven's wing Is not to be compar'd with mine; Nor can the lark so sweetly sing As I, who strength with sweetness join. "O! let me all thy steps attend! I'll point new treasures to thy sight; Whether the grove thy wish befriend, Or hedge-rows green, or meadows bright. "I'll show my love the clearest rill Whose streams among the pebbles stray; These will we sip, and sip our fill, Or on the flow'ry margin play. "I'll lead her to the thickest brake, "When, prompted by a mother's care, Her warmth shall form th' imprison'd young; The pleasing task I'll gladly share, Or cheer her labours with my song. "To bring her food I'll range the fields, And cull the best of every kind : Whatever nature's bounty yields, And love's assiduous care can find. "And when my lovely mate would stray To taste the summer sweets at large, I'll wait at home the live-long day, And tend with care our little charge. "Then prove with me the sweets of love, With me divide the cares of life; No bush shall boast in all the grove So fond a mate, so blest a wife." He ceas'd his song. The melting dame With soft indulgence heard the strain; She felt, she own'd a mutual flame, And hasted to relieve his pain. He led her to the nuptial bower, And she, the most delighted bride. |