The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
This subject wants no Muse the breast t' inspire,
Deep learning,—nor the Apollonian lyre;
Fine tropes and figures here can nought avail,
'Tis but a plain and simple rustic tale,—
A tale of poachers, partridge, grouse, and hares,
Gamekeepers' acts, their dangers and their fears;
And who the persons that are most to blame,
Or those who buy, or those who steal the game.
But in description little is my pow'r,—
I never took a hare at midnight hour;
Experience cannot teach me how to sing,—
My shot ne'er broke the pheasant's glossy wing:
No partridge in my hands, resigned its breath,
Nor moor-cock closed its beauteous eyes in death;
For when I found them young upon the bent,
Far from their nests in sympathy I went.
Deep learning,—nor the Apollonian lyre;
Fine tropes and figures here can nought avail,
'Tis but a plain and simple rustic tale,—
A tale of poachers, partridge, grouse, and hares,
Gamekeepers' acts, their dangers and their fears;
And who the persons that are most to blame,
Or those who buy, or those who steal the game.
But in description little is my pow'r,—
I never took a hare at midnight hour;
Experience cannot teach me how to sing,—
My shot ne'er broke the pheasant's glossy wing:
No partridge in my hands, resigned its breath,
Nor moor-cock closed its beauteous eyes in death;
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Far from their nests in sympathy I went.
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |