8 
INTRODUCTION. 
Can dictate, and in courtship to their mates 
Pour forth their little souls. First, wide around, 
With distant awe, in airy rings they rove, 
Endeavouring, by a thousand tricks, to catch 
The cunning, conscious, half-averted glance 
Of their regardless charmer. Should she seem 
Softening, the least approvance to bestow, 
Their colours burnish, and, by hope inspired, 
They brisk advance ; then, on a sudden, struck, 
Retire disordered ; then again approach ; 
In fond rotation spread the spotted wing, 
And shiver every feather with desire. 
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 obeyed : 
Nor all the sweet sensations they perceive 
Indulged in vain. Some to the holly-hedge. 
Nestling, repair, and to the tliicket some ; 
Some to the rude protection of the thorn 
Commit their feeble offspring ; the cleft tree 
Offers its kind concealment to a few, 
Their food its insects, and its moss their nests. 
Others apart, far in the grassy dale, 
