 | The Night Raven |  |
THE NIGHT RAVEN.
Although the Owle, and I, a custome keepe,To flye abroad, when other Birds doe sleepe,
Changing our course from those of other feather,
Yet do not we consort a nights together.
I haunt not barnes, for either Mouse or Rat,
As doth the searching two-foote flying Cat,
Nor into bushes after birds to pry,
Ther's diff'rence t'wixt that deuills face and I:
For secret things, being of another kinde,
In obscure darknesse, I apparant finde
Those euill actions that avoyde the Sunne,
And by the light of day are neuer done,
But lurke in corners, from disclosing eyes,
Not daring open view in any wise:
Those most familier are made knowne to me,
I take a notice who, and where they be,
Drunkards that drinke vntill they cannot speake,
Villains and Theeues, that into houses breake
Whores and Whoremongers trading for the Pox,
And reeling Watch-men, carrying Rogues to Stox,
Which, turn and read, and you shall know them all,
I neither tattle with Iack-daw,
Or Maggot-pye on thatch'd house straw,
Nor with your hopping cage birds sing,
Nor cuckow it about the spring:
Or like your Blacke-bird, Thrush, and Stare
Whissell in cages, for good fare:
Or cackell with your scraping Hens,
Nor hisse with Geese, (that finde you pens)
Or like your durty Ducks doe quacke,
That in the water, water lacke,
Nor crow as doth your dung-hill cocke,
Clowne almanacke, and Shepheards clocke,
Or prate as greene-coate Parrot doth,
Like an old-wife, with ne're a tooth,
Nor mourne like Pigeons fed with pease:
I am consort for none of these.
My watchfull eyes awake I keepe,
When all such idle creatures sleepe.
Were I not blacke, as all crowes be,
I should euen blush, at things I see.
| The Night Raven | |