Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BEAU'S REPLY, by WILLIAM COWPER



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BEAU'S REPLY, by                 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?





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