Classic Poem

Say, happy Bird, when sunk to rest,
On the soft couch of Emma 'S breast.

Say, wouldst thou on that heaven of snow,
Expand thy jetty pinions wide,
To bid that heaven more spotless shew,
Or half it's beauties envious hide?

Too happy Bird, what boundless bliss
Awaits thee in thy Emma'S kiss! —
Too happy Bird, indulg'd to sip
The nectar of thy Emma'S lip!
Soon as thy bill the gift receives,
Ere that lov'd seat the rapture leaves,
Haste, hither haste on friendly plume,
Around me shed the chaste perfume;
Bear to my lip the fragrant store,
And there the spicy treasure pour!

Too happy Bird, ah vain my prayer,
Vain are my sighs, my tears are vain;
To me thy wings no blessings bear,
Thy songs unpitying mock my pain!
Thou woulds't not leave that Throne of Love,
The perils of the air to prove:
Thy Emma , oh that I could say,
My Emma'S voice would bid thee stay;
Think not she'd loose thy wings, to try
The unknown dangers of the sky:
Yet, shouldst thou 'scape, her song would lure
Back to his cage her " Tawny Moor , "
Back to his cage, that song to learn,
Her " Way-worn Traveller " would return.

Too happy Bird, ah would she deign
To cast one smile, one look on me,
With pride, with joy, I'd bless the chain,
That told me I could ne'er be free!

Ah wouldst thou, perch'd beside her ear,
Reject the jealous doubts of fear;
Ah wouldst thou, her cold heart to move,
There whistle tender notes of love;
Then, if thy true, thy artless tale,
Can o'er her pitying breast prevail;
Would she, too happy Bird, to me,
Confide her care, her love for thee;
Thy cage unwearied would I tend,
Thy guardian, and thy constant friend.

Too happy Bird, ah swell thy throat,
Thy powers of soft persuasion raise,
To Emma'S ear attune the note,
And Love, kind Love, shall bless thy lays!