Ode X. to a Nightingale

Sweetest voice of night, go find Her who rules my lovelorn mind: To her blest abode repair; All my hopes and fears declare: Then return with speedy wing, Tidings of her heart to bring.

Now the warbling messenger Flies to greet my matchless fair: Her the even-star he guesses, (Eyes so bright and golden tresses) And with equal worship pays The due tribute of his lays.

Wondrous words then meet her ear: 'Hear, O star of beauty! hear. 'From thy lover I appear, 'Tidings of thy heart to bear: 'Mercy to thy breast be dear! 'Let thy words his sorrow chear. 'Love and grace like flowers decay: 'Snatch them ere they pass away.'

Now I hear her soft reply: 'Fly, enchanting warbler, fly. 'Tell your mourning lord that I 'Bear him equal sympathy. 'None of men so dear to me: 'Sole king of my wishes he. 'Had Fate his long absence shown 'My best boon he ne'er had known. 'Joys no more my spirit cherish; 'By the wounds of Grief I perish: 'O that with him passed my day 'In sweet wiles and laughing play! 'Fly, enchanting warbler, fly! 'Let thy speed the gale defy. 'Tell him this with sweetest strain— 'When wilt thou return again!'