136 
THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
With cautious step the lovelorn youth shall glide 
Through the lone brake that shades thy mossy nest, 
And shepherd girls from eyes profane shall hide, 
The gentle bird who sings of Pity best ; 
Far still thy voice shall soft affections move. 
And still be dear to Sorrow and to Love. 
C. Smith. 
Oh Nightingale ! thou surely art 
A creature of a fiery heart-— 
These notes of thine they pierce, and pierce ; 
Tumultuous harmony and fierce ! 
Thou sing'st, as if the god of wine 
Had help'd thee to a Valentine, 
A song in mockery, and despite 
Of shades, and dews, and silent night, 
And steady bliss, and all the Loves 
Now sleeping in these peaceful groves I 
I heard a Stockdove sing or say 
His homely tale, this very day. 
His voice was buried among trees. 
Yet to be come at by the breeze : 
He did not cease : but coo^d — and coo'd ; 
And somewhat pensively he woo'd : 
