Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, INVITATION TO THE REDBREAST, by VINCENT BOURNE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

INVITATION TO THE REDBREAST, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sweet bird, whom the winter constrains
Last Line: Or boasts any musical powers?
Subject(s): Robins


SWEET bird, whom the Winter constrains--
And seldom another it can--
To seek a retreat while he reigns,
In the well-sheltered dwellings of man,
Who never can seem to intrude,
Though in all places equally free,
Come! oft as the season is rude,
Thou art sure to be welcome to me.

At sight of the first feeble ray
That pierces the clouds of the east,
To inveigle thee every day
My windows shall show thee a feast;
For, taught by experience, I know
Thee mindful of benefit long,
And that, thankful for all I bestow,
Thou wilt pay me with many a song.

Then soon as the swell of the buds
Bespeaks the renewal of Spring,
Fly hence, if thou wilt, to the woods,
Or where it shall please thee to sing:
And shouldst thou, compelled by a frost,
Come again to my window or door,
Doubt not an affectionate host,
Only pay, as thou payedst me before.

Thus music must needs be confest
To flow from a fountain above;
Else how should it work in the breast
Unchangeable friendship and love?
And who on the globe can be found,
Save your generation and ours,
That can be delighted by sound,
Or boasts any musical powers?





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