University of Virginia Library


390

LXXXIX.

I cannot warble like a nightingale;
This voice of mine, I fear, is like to fail,
With rambling on a revel late at night.
I shall not make a poor excuse, to slight
Your piper's art and practice; but the friend;
That ought to bear his part here and attend,
In fact is absent—I must do my best,
And put my talent fairly to the test.
So, praying to the gods for help and grace,
Close to the piper's side I take my place.