On the Departure of the Nightingale

Sweet poet of the woods, a long adieu!

   Farewell soft mistrel of the early year!

Ah! ’twill be long ere thou shalt sing anew,

   And pour thy music on the night’s dull ear.

Whether on spring thy wandering flights await,

   Or whether silent in our groves you dwell,

The pensive muse shall own thee for her mate,

   And still protect the song she loves so well.

With cautious step the love-lorn youth shall glide

   Through the lone brake that shades thy mossy nest;

And shepherd girls from eyes profane shall hide

   The gentle bird who sings of pity best:

For still thy voice shall soft affections move,

And still be dear to sorrow and to love!