He said, and raptur’d with the thought,

New charms his bright’ning plumage caught,

He clapt his wings, his rapid flight

I trac’d with fond desiring sight,

Oh! glorious state—reserv’d to this,

I risk not life for reptile bliss;

Oh! catch the glowing wish from me,

The same the bliss reserv’d for thee;

Desist from ev’ry rash design,

And beauty, plumes, and wings are thine.