Beau's Reply <^y <^y -o ^> 



CIR, 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 roffled wing, 

 And licked the feathers smooth. 



Let my obedience then excuse 

 My disobedience now, 



90 



