The Linnets

As bringing home the other day Two linnets I had ta'en The pretty warblers seem'd to pray For liberty again, Unheedful of their plaintive notes, I sang across the mead; In vain they tun'd their downy throats, And flutter'd to be freed.

As passing through the tufted grove, Near which my cottage stood, I thought I saw the queen of love When Chlora's charms I view'd. I gaz'd, I lov'd, I press'd her stay To hear my tender tale; But all in vain, she fled away, Nor could my sighs prevail.

Soon thro' the wound that love had made, Came pity to my breast; And thus I, as compassion bade, This feather'd pair address'd: "Ye little warblers, chearful be, Remember not ye flew; For I, who thought myself so free, Am far more caught than you."