Beaus Reply.
By William Cowper
Sir, when I flew to seize the bird
In spite of your command,
A louder voice than yours I heard,
And harder to withstand.
You criedForbear!but in my breast
A mightier criedProceed!
Twas nature, Sir, whose strong behest
Impelld me to the deed.
Yet, much as nature I respect,
I ventured once to break
(As you perhaps may recollect)
Her precept for your sake;
And when your linnet on a day,
Passing his prison door,
Had flutterd all his strength away,
And panting pressd the floor.
Well knowing him a sacred thing,
Not destined to my tooth,
I only kissd his ruffled wing,
And lickd the feathers smooth.
Let my obedience then excuse
My disobedience now,
Nor some reproof yourself refuse
From your aggrieved bow-wow:
If killing birds be such a crime
(Which I can hardly see),
What think you, Sir, of killing time
With verse addressd to me!