On a Spaniel, called Beau, killing a Young Bird 

 {July 1793) 



A SPANIEL, Beau, that fares like you, 

 1 *• Well fed, and at his ease, 

 Should wiser be than to pursue 

 Each trifle that he sees. 



But you have kill'd a tiny bird, 

 Which flew not till to-day, 

 Against my orders, whom you heard 

 Forbidding you the prey. 



Nor did you kill that you might eat, 

 And ease a doggish pain, 

 For him, though chased with furious heat, 

 You left where he was slain. 



Nor was he of the thievish sort, 

 Or one whom blood allures, 

 But innocent was all his sport 

 Whom you have torn for yours. 



My dog ! what remedy remains, 

 Since, teach you all I can, 

 I see you, after all my pains, 

 So much resemble man ? 



William Coinper. 



89 



