University of Virginia Library

THE NIGHTINGALE.

Thy plaintive notes, sweet Philomel,
All other melodies excel;
Deep in the grove retired,
Thou seem'st thyself and song to hide,
Nor dost thou boast, or plume with pride,
Nor wish to be admired.

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So, if endued with power and grace,
And with that power my will keep pace,
I'll act a generous part,
And banish ostentatious show!
Nor let my liberal action know
A witness but my heart.