Page:Elegiac Sonnets and Other Essays The Second Edition.pdf/22

[  8    ] SONNET VII. ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE NIGHTINGALE. WEET poet of the woods, a long adieu!
 * Farewel, soft minstrel of the early year!

Ah! 'twill be long ere thou shalt sing anew,
 * And pour thy music on the 'night's dull ear.'

Whether on *spring thy wandering flights await,
 * Or whether silent in our groves ye dwell,

The pensive Muse shall 'own thee for her mate,'
 * And still protect the song the loves so well.

With cautious steps the love-lorn youth shall glide
 * Thro' the lone brake that shades thy mossy nest;

And shepherd girls from eyes profane shall hide
 * The gentle bird, who sings of pity best.

For still thy voice shall soft affections move, And still be dear to sorrow and to love.
 * Anemony Nemeroso, the wood anemony.


 * This alludes to the supposed migration of the nightingale. SONNET