Classic Poem

Inscrib'd to Alexander Pope, Esq.

Hush, my little tuneful dear!
Cease to flutter, cease to fear;
Here serenely take thy rest;
In my bosom build thy nest.

Full secure and far remote
From the raven's croaking note,
Or the hideous hoot of owls,
Or the din of midnight fowls.

These have seen with envious eyes
Thee, my charmer, soar the skies;
And, with most reluctant ears,
Heard thee warble through the spheres.

Higher flights and loftier lays
Must, of course, their envy raise,
For the sweeter thou dost sing,
Rancour feels the deeper sting.

Thus the damn'd in shades below,
Conscious of eternal woe,
At the joys of Heaven's blest train,
Gnash their teeth, but all in vain.