Beaus 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 criedForbear!but in my breast     A mightier criedProceed!     Twas nature, Sir, whose strong behest     Impelld 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 flutterd all his strength away,     And panting pressd the floor.     Well knowing him a sacred thing,     Not destined to my tooth,     I only kissd his ruffled wing,     And lickd 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 addressd to me!