263 



THE BLACKBIRD'S SONG, 



Turdus Merula. — Linnaeus. 



" The blackbird whistles from the thorny brake." 



Thomson. 



All cities I hate ; nor has splendour or pride 



The least of attraction for me ; 

 Give me a retreat by some shady wood-side ; 

 There only I'm happy and free. 



Though man for his pleasure may birds in a cage 



Remorseless for ever confine; 

 Though some of our tribe such a prison may please, 



May such prison never be mine ! 



Though man, too, may feed us with daintiest food, 

 Though gold on our prisons may shine ; 



I prefer the plain fare that is found in the wood, 

 For myself and for all that is mine. 



