Unmusical Birds

From “The Task,” Book I. TEN thousand warblers cheer the day, and one The livelong night: nor these alone, whose notes Nice-fingered Art must emulate in vain, But cawing rooks, and kites that swim sublime In still repeated circles, screaming loud, The jay, the pie, and ev’n the boding owl, That hails the rising moon, have charms for men. Sounds inharmonious in themselves and harsh, Yet heard in scenes where peace for ever reigns And only there, please highly for their sake.

Collection:

English

1751

William Cowper

Sub Title:

VI. Animate Nature

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