XV.

Ne’er hatchet touched the overhanging bough,

Whereon the robin built her wonted nest;

About the borders did the wild rose grow,

For there the thrush might soothe her brood to rest;

Nor would he banish from her dwelling low

The long-eared rabbit, but her young caressed;

Fed from his hand they gambolled in the grove,

Caressed our Sire in turn, and mimicked human love.

XVI.