Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/488

 402 Anne Bi'adjireefs Works.

If birds could weep, then would my tears

Let others know what are my fears

Left this my brood fome harm fhould catch,

And be furpriz'd for want of watch,

Whilft pecking corn, and void of care

They fall un'wares in Fowlers fnare:

Or whilft on trees they fit and fing.

Some untoward boy at them do fling:

Or whilft allur'd with bell and glafs.

The net be fpread, and caught, alas.

Or leaft by Lime-twigs they be foyl'd.

Or by fome greedy hawks be fpoyl'd.

O would my 3'oung, ye faw my breaft.

And knew what thoughts there fadly reft,

Great was my pain when I you bred, ^

Great was my care, when I you fed.

Long did I keep you foft and warm, [^47]

And with my wings kept off" all harm.

My cares are more, and fears then ever.

My throbs fuch now, as 'fore were never:

Alas my birds, you wifdome want,

Of perils you are ignorant,

Oft times in grafs, on trees, in flight.

Sore accidents on you may light.

O to your fafety have an eye.

So happy may you live and die:

Mean while my dayes in tunes He fpend.

Till my weak layes with me fliall end.

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