268 



THE BULFINCH'S SONNET. 



Loxia Pyrrhula.'— Linn^us. 



" The bulfinch whistles soft his flute like notes." 



Savage* 



We live without law, and we love without care; 



And my mate is delighted my feelings to share. 



We live without law, and we love without strife ; 



Oh what is so sweet as the bulfinch's life ? 



Our laws are our feelings, which prompt us to show 



Affection to all that inhabits below. 



From my mate is ne'er heard the harsh word of com- 

 mand ; 



But a look, always kind, is the wizard's sole wand. 



Son of freedom himself, he's the friend of the free; 



No constraint could be pleasing to him or to me. 



It is thus he insures the Affections' control; 



And thus, without law, he possesses my soul. 



Come, Man ! and learn thou, from the birds of the 

 grove, 



What happiness waits on such generous love ! ( 49 ) 



