But his young Swallow, gaping and alive
To fiercer feelings, was resolved to thrive: -
“Father,” he said, “but little can they win,
Who hunt in couples where the game is thin;
Let’s part in peace, and each pursue his gain,
Where it may start - our love may yet remain.”
The parent growl’d, he couldn’t think that love
Made the young cockatrice his den remove;
But, taught by habit, he the truth suppress “d,
Forced a frank look, and said he “thought it best.”