274 

 THE NIGHTINGALE'S SONG. 



Motacilla Luscinia. — Linn^us. 

 Sylvia Luscinia. — Latham. 



Sweet is the time when all the fields 



Their loveliest robes assume ; 

 And sweet the time when lilies shed 



Their elegant perfume. 



But sweeter far than these the time 



When, on his eager wings, 

 My love returning to his bower 



An evening descant sings. 



Sweet morn, sweet eve, and sweet the day, 

 When spring, with budding rose, 



Advancing smiles, with liberal hand. 

 Rich fragrance round him throws. 



But, oh ! how sweeter far the time 



When, at the midnight hour. 

 My love pours out to me his soul 



In notes of magic power,* 



For a description of the Nightingale's Song,, see the 

 Introdnctiou ; for its form, colours, habits, &c. see note (5.) 



* It is here presumed that the female, as well as the male 

 nightingale, sings ; the fact, however, is doubtful : the reader 

 will, it is hoped, pardon the poetical licence. 



