I might ask you with me the New Forest to roam,

But it’s stript of its foliage, quite leafless become;

N.P. Willis and rival have each had their day,

And of rappings and knockings there’s nought new to say.

Yet do not mistake me, or think I would choose,

A home in the city, the country to lose;

The music of birds, with rich fruits and sweet flowers,

We all in the country lay claim to as ours.

A bird that’s imprisoned, I hate to hear sing,

Let me catch its glad note as it soars on the wing;