A Linnet's Nest

A LINNET's nest with anxious care, Young Strephon one day found me: When instantly the plunder'd pair, With cries came flutt'ring round me; And is it thus, cries I, unkind, You'd raise compassion in me? Hence, cruel, hence—unless you'd find Some better way to win me.

Alas! if to give pain, cry'd he, My love for you has wrought me, I practise but that cruelty, You have so often taught me. If thus the linnet, and his mate, Can raise compassion in you; No more unkindness intimate, But let your Strephon join you.

This said, like light'ning, back he flew, The mossy nest restoring, The linnets kept their young in view, No more a loss deploring: Mean while this act, so sweet, so kind, Has rais'd affections in me; And Strephon was well pleas'd to find This certain way to win me.