Classic Poem

On the Death of a Turtle Dove

Thou ! gentlest cooer of the shady grove,
Mild as ambrosial morn, dear infant Dove,
That lost so early, and but lately known,
We thus with dirges due sincerely mourn;
Where art thou flown? could not our tend'rest care
Protect thy downy coat from chilling air?
Dost thou now flutter in Elysian shades?
Or coo on Pindus to the Aonian maids?
Or has the Paphian Queen, in Cyprian grove,
Lost by untimely chance her favourite dove,
And cruel snatch'd thee from our fost'ring hands,
To draw her pearly car in silken bands?
May'st thou, sweet bird, wherever hov'ring, find
A state as fortunate, and friends as kind;
While here thy soft remains in quiet lie,
And teach the Fair that ev'ry charm must die.English