Beau's Reply.

Sir, when I flew to seize the bird In spite of your command, 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 ventured 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, And panting press'd the floor. Well knowing him a sacred thing, Not destined to my tooth, 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 aggrieved bow-wow: If killing birds be such a crime, (Which I can hardly see,) What think you, Sir, of killing time With verse address'd to me!