TRANSLATION
14 lines✦
HASTE are their instincts, faithful is their fire,No foreign beauty tempts to false desire;The snow-white vesture, and the glittering crown,The simple plumage, or the glossy downPrompt not their loves:—the patriot bird pursues 5His well acquainted tints, and kindred hues.Hence through their tribes no mix’d polluted flame,No monster-breed to mark the groves with shame;But the chaste blackbird, to its partner true,Thinks black alone is beauty’s favourite hue. 10The nightingale, with mutual passion blest,Sings to its mate, and nightly charms the nest;While the dark owl to court its partner flies,And owns its offspring in their yellow eyes.
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