Must be decided by the worth Of that, which call'd his ardour forth. Must cause him shame or discontent; A vicious object still is worse, Successful there he wins a curse; But he, whom ev'n in life's last stage Is paid, at least in peace of mind, A brighter prize than that he meant No virtuous wish can bear a date Either too early or too late. 50 58 THE FAITHFUL BIRD. THE greenhouse is my summer seat; My shrubs displac'd from that retreat Enjoy'd the open air; Two goldfinches, whose sprightly song They sang, as blithe as finches sing, And frolic where they list; Strangers to liberty, 'tis true, But that delight they never knew, And therefore never miss'd. 10 But nature works in ev'ry breast, And Dick felt some desires, That, after many an effort vain, The open windows seem'd t' invite The freeman to a farewell flight; But Tom was still confin'd; And Dick, although his way was clear, Was much too gen'rous and sincere To leave his friend behind. 20 So settling on his cage, by play, You must not live alone.— Nor would he quit that chosen stand, Return'd him to his own. 30 Oh ye, who never taste the joys Of Friendship, satisfied with noise, Blush, when I tell you how a bird THE NEEDLESS ALARM. A TALE. 36 THERE is a field, through which I often pass, Thick overspread with moss and silky grass, Adjoining close to Kilwick's echoing wood, Where oft the bitch fox hides her hapless brood, Reserv'd to solace many a neighb'ring squire, That he may follow them through brake and brier, Contusion hazarding of neck or spine, Which rural gentlemen call sport divine. A narrow brook, by rushy banks conceal'd, A hollow scoop'd, I judge, in ancient time, 10 Not yet the hawthorn bore her berries red, With which the fieldfare, wintry guest, is fed; 20 Nor Autumn yet had brush'd from ev'ry spray, With her chill hand, the mellow leaves away; But corn was hous'd, and beans were in the stack, Now therefore issu'd forth the spotted pack, With tails high mounted, ears hung low, and throats With a whole gamut fill'd of heav'nly notes. |