| Hunt and Lee, comps. The Book of the Sonnet. 1867. | | | | V. On the Departure of the Nightingale | | By Charlotte Smith (1749–1806) |
| | | SWEET poet of the woods, a long adieu! | |
| Farewell, soft minstrel of the early year! | |
| Ah! ’t will be long ere thou shalt sing anew, | |
| And pour thy music on “the night’s dull ear.” | |
| Whether on Spring thy wandering flights await, | 5 |
| Or whether silent in our groves you dwell, | |
| The pensive muse shall own you for her mate, | |
| And still protect the song she loves so well. | |
| With cautious step the love-lorn youth shall glide | |
| Through the lone brake that shades thy mossy nest; | 10 |
| And shepherd girls from eyes profane shall hide | |
| The gentle bird that sings of pity best: | |
| For still thy voice shall soft affections move, | |
| And still be dear to sorrow and to love. | | | | |
|
|
