INSCRIPTIONS on a Monument to the Memory of a Lady's favourite Bullfinch.
On the Right Side.
The goddesses of wit and love
Have patroniz'd the owl and dove;
From whose protection both lay claim
To immortality and fame:
Could wit alone, or beauty, give
To birds the same prerogative;
My double claim had fate defy'd,
And
Lucy's fav'rite ne'er had dy'd.
On the Left Side.
Tho' here my body lies interr'd,
I still can be a tell-tale bird;
If David should pollute these shades,
And wanton with my lady's maids;
Or Dick sneak out to field or park,
To play with Mopsy in the dark;
Or Will, that noble, generous youth,
Should err from wisdom, taste, and truth;
And bless'd with all that's fair and good,
Should quit a seast for grosser food:
I'll rise again a restless sprite,
Will haunt my lonely cage by night;
There swell my throat and plume my wing,
And every tale to Lucy sing.
