To The Redbreast

HAIL! social bird, with ruddy breast,
Thus early thou forsak'st thy rest;
When first the morning twilight peeps,
Thy little eye no longer sleeps;
We hear thy oft repeated lay,
Which tidings brings of opening day,
And tho' the note is never long,
What sweetness revels in thy song!
When Evening's dusky mist prevails,
Thy artless music never fails;
Thy constant ditty still is sung,
When Winter chains each warbling tongue.
Thou, feathery friend, while all the rest,
From building near mankind their nest,
By persecution are repell'd,
Because thy brood is sacred held,
The rustic cottages among,
Choosest a dwelling for thy young,
Where printing oft the dusty ground,
Thy slender feet alertly bound;
Or thy little bill, perhaps,
Against the window gently taps;
Or bolder wilt thou pass the door,
And peck thy pittance from the floor?
O, come, tho' wintry storms should low'r,
Thou'lt find at least one sunny hour;
Then perch'd upon the leafless briar,
Renew thy songs which never tire;
Thy friendly visits day by day,
The scatter'd bread-crumb shall repay.