I HEARD A LINNET COURTING

Robert Bridges 1844-1930

I heard a linnet courting

His lady in the spring:

His mates were idly sporting,

Nor stayed to hear him sing

His song of love. -

I fear my speech distorting

His tender love.

The phrases of his pleading

Were full of young delight;

And she that gave him heeding

Interpreted aright

His gay, sweet notes, -

So sadly marred in the reading, -

His tender notes.

And when he ceased, the hearer

Awaited the refrain,

Till swiftly perching nearer

He sang his song again,

His pretty song: -

Would that my verse spake clearer

His tender song!

Ye happy, airy creatures!

That in the merry spring

Think not of what misfeatures

Or cares the year may bring;

But unto love

Resign your simple natures,

To tender love.

TWO NEW ART BLOGS
are coming soon
ONE HUNDRED PAINTINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
will replace
NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL ART
and
THE ART OF JOHN WILLIAM GODWARD
will replace
THE PAINTINGS OF EDVARD MUNCH

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