Part 1 — BEAU'S REPLY.

Sir, when I flew to seize the bird In spite of your command, A louder voice than yours I heard, And harder to withstand. You cried—"Forbear!" but in my breast A mightier cried—"Proceed!"— 'Twas Nature, sir, whose strong behest Impelled me to the deed. Yet much as Nature I respect, I ventured once to break (As you perhaps may recollect) Her precept for your sake; And when your linnet on a day, Passing his prison door, Had fluttered all his strength away, And panting pressed the floor: Well knowing him a sacred thing, Not destined to my tooth, I only kissed his ruffled wing, And licked the feathers smooth. Let my obedience then excuse My disobedience now, Nor some reproof yourself refuse From your aggrieved Bow-wow; If killing birds be such a crime, (Which I can hardly see), What think you, sir, of killing Time With verse addressed to me! William Cowper.