To ----

Composed 1835.--Published 1835

[The fate of this poor Dove, as described, was told to me at Brinsop Court, by the young lady to whom I have given the name of Lesbia.--I.F.]

[Miss not the occasion: by the forelock take That subtle Power, the never-halting Time, Lest a mere moment’s putting-off should make Mischance almost as heavy as a crime.]

One of the “Miscellaneous Sonnets.”--ED.

“Wait, prithee, wait!” this answer Lesbia threw Forth to her Dove, and took no further heed. Her eye was busy, while her fingers flew Across the harp, with soul-engrossing speed; But from that bondage when her thoughts were freed She rose, and toward the close-shut casement drew, Whence the poor unregarded Favourite, true To old affections, had been heard to plead With flapping wing for entrance. What a shriek Forced from that voice so lately tuned to a strain Of harmony!----a shriek of terror, pain, And self-reproach! for, from aloft, a Kite Pounced,----and the Dove, which from its ruthless beak She could not rescue, perished in her sight!

Miss Loveday Walker, daughter of the Rector of Brinsop. See the Fenwick note to the next sonnet.--ED.