ΤΟ WILLIAM HAYLEY, ESQ. [JUNE 29, 1793.] DEAR architect of fine CHATEAUX in air, Than any built of stone, or yet of wood, O for permission from the skies to share, But I am bankrupt now; and doom'd henceforth To drudge, in descant dry, on others' lays; Bards, I acknowledge, of unequall'd worth! But what is commentator's happiest praise? That he has furnish'd lights for other eyes, ON A SPANIEL, CALLED BEAU, KILLING A YOUNG BIRD, [JULY 15, 1793.] A SPANIEL, Beau, that fares like you, Well-fed, and at his case, Should wiser be than to pursue Each trifle that he sees. Nor did you kill that you might cat And ease a doggish pain, For him, though chased with furious heat, You left where he was slain. Nor was he of the thievish sort, Or one whom blood allures, But innocent was all his sport Whom have torn for yours. you My dog! what remedy remains, I see you, after all my pains, BEAU'S REPLY. SIR, when I flew to seize the bird A louder voice than yours I heard, And harder to withstand. You cried-forbear-but in my breast A mightier cried—proceed 'Twas nature, Sir, whose strong behest Impell'd me to the deed. Yet much as nature I respect, I ventur'd once to break (As you perhaps may recollect) Her precept for your sake; And when your linnet on a day, Passing his prison door, Had flutter'd all his strength away, Well knowing him a sacred thing, I only kiss'd his ruffled wing, And lick'd the feathers smooth. Let my obedience then excuse My disobedience now, Nor some reproof yourself refuse From your aggriev'd Bow-wow; If killing birds be such a crime What think you, Sir, of killing Time ANSWER ΤΟ Stanzas addressed to Lady Hesketh, by Miss Catharine Fanshawe, in returning a Poem of Mr. Cowper's, lent to her, on condition she should neither show it, nor take a copy. [1793.] To be remember'd thus is fame, And in the first degree; And did the few like her the same, |