University of Virginia Library

IDYLLIUM II. CUPID AND THE FOWLER.

A youth, once fowling in a shady Grove,
On a tall Box-tree spy'd the God of Love,
Perch'd like a beauteous Bird; with sudden Joy
At Sight so noble leap'd the simple Boy.
With eager Expedition he prepares
His choicest Twigs, his Bird-lime, and his Snares,
And in a neighb'ring Covert smil'd to see
How here and there he skipt, and hopt from Tree to Tree.
When long in vain he waited to betray
The God, enrag'd he flung his Twigs away,
And to a Plough-man near, an antient Man,
Of whom he learn'd his Art, the Youngster ran,
Told the strange Story, while he held his Plough,
And show'd the Bird then perch'd upon a Bough,
The grave old Plough-man archly shook his Head,
Smil'd at the simple Boy, and thus he said:
“Cease, cease, my Son, this dangerous Sport give o'er,
“Fly far away, and chase that Bird no more:
“Blest should you fail to catch him!—Hence, away!
“That Bird, believe me, is a Bird of Prey:
“Though now he seems to shun you all he can,
“Yet, soon as Time shall lead you up to Man,
“He'll spread his flutt'ring Pinions o'er your Breast,
“Perch on your Brow, and in your Bosom nest.”