Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BEAU'S REPLY, by WILLIAM COWPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sir, when I flew to seize the bird Last Line: With verse addressed to me? Subject(s): Animals; Dogs | ||||||||
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? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SENTIMENTAL DANGERS by ANDREW HUDGINS SHOOTING THE DOG by JUNE JORDAN AFTER AN ILLNESS, WALKING THE DOG by JANE KENYON DANCING WITH THE DOG by SUSAN KENNEDY A COMPARISON by WILLIAM COWPER |
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