.Nw.OTI3

On Disturbing a Bird that was Sitting [flourish]

        ________                  By G: [L?] ~
       ________                   ----    -----------

Go gentle bird to thy sequestr'd Nest Nor fear [will, crossed out] a stranger will thy peace molest Go__ and with [illegible] warmth dissolve the Chains That fetter Life _ the magic that [illegible] Sweet Melody within the filmy Cell- Go gentle Bird and break the [trrming?] Shell- Already in thy Downy nest appears One tender offspring wet with [illegible] Tears:- cold with the chilly drops of noxious Dew And asks a genial warmth from Heav'n & you- Fear not a stranger will thy haunt explore Or rob with treach'rous hand thy living store- -But take thy flight from yonder [bending spray?] -Where timid apprehension bids thee stay- And in thy soft connubial nest retire Thy bosom kindling with Maternal Fire- Then shelter with thy Wings an Embryo race Of songsters that shall harmonize the place With pious care their little wants attend 'Till Nature bids them from their nest descend.

            [5 flourishes]

[E:G:--1792 framed by elaborate flourish]