6 
INTRODUCTION. 
Thomson, where he invokes the aid of these 
songsters, in singing his praise of Spring : — 
" Lend me your song, ye nightingales ! Oh, pour 
The mazy-running soul of melody 
Into my varied verse ! while I deduce 
From the first note the hollow cuckoo sings 
The symphony of Spring, and touch a theme 
Unknown to Fame, the passion of the groves. 
When first the soul of love is sent abroad. 
Warm thro' the vital air, and on the heart 
Harmonious seizes, the gay troops begin, 
In gallant thought, to plume the painted wing ; 
And try again the long-forgotten strain. 
At first faint- warbled. But no sooner grows 
The soft infusion prevalent and wide. 
Than, all-alive at once their joy o'erflows 
In music unconfined. Up springs the lark, 
Shrill-voic'd and loud, the messenger of morn ; 
Ere yet the shadows fly, he, mounted, sings 
Amid the dawning clouds, and from their haunts 
Calls up the tuneful nations. Every copse 
Deep-tangled, tree irregular^ and bush 
