66 NATURAL HISTORY [Birds* 



Hears the lark begin his flight, 

 And singing startle the dull night. 

 From his watch-tower in the skies, 

 Till the dappled morn doth rise. 



Nothing, however, is more cheerful than a spring-morning 

 scene, though too seldom enjoyed by the politer part of the 

 world, who for the most part lose the morning, the most va- 

 luable part of their time, and are obliged to eke it out with 

 nightly dissipation. Nothing can be more conducive to the 

 health, both of body and mind, than to start with the earliest 

 dawn, to hear the enlivening music of the groves, mixed 

 with the contented voice of labour, the whistle of the plough- 

 man, and the lowing of the herds, to see the rising of the 

 sun, and the smoking glebe. 



The lark loses his voice when the season of love is over, as 

 do most of the wild birds, this being only indulged at that 

 time to recommend themselves to their mistresses, and soften 

 the fatigue of providing for their families. 



'Tis love creates their melody, and all 

 This waste of music is the voice of love ; 

 That even to birds, and beasts, the tender arts 

 Of pleasing teaches. 



Connubial leagues agreed, to the deep woods 

 They haste away, all as their fancy leads, 

 Pleasure, or food, or secret safety prompts ; 

 That nature's great command may be obey'd. 



