Sweet bird, whom the winter constrains-- <br />And seldom another it can-- <br />To seek a retreat while he reigns <br />In the well-shelter’d dwellings of man, <br />Who never can seem to intrude, <br />Though in all places equally free, <br />Come oft as the season is rude, <br />Thou art sure to be welcome to me. <br /> <br />At sight of the first feeble ray <br />That pierces the clouds of the east, <br />To inveigle thee every day <br />My windows shall show thee a feast. <br />For, taught by experience, I know, <br />Thee mindful of benefit long; <br />And that, thankful for all I bestow, <br />Thou wilt pay me with many a song. <br /> <br />Then, soon as the swell of the buds <br />Bespeaks the renewal of spring, <br />Fly hence, if thou wilt to the woods, <br />Or where it shall please thee to sing: <br />And shouldst thou, compell’d by a frost, <br />Come again to my window or door, <br />Doubt not an affectionate host, <br />Only pay as thou paid’st me before. <br /> <br />This music must needs be confess’d <br />To flow from a fountain above; <br />Else how should it work in the breast <br />Unchangeable friendship and love? <br />And who on the globe can be found, <br />Save your generation and ours, <br />That can be delighted by sound, <br />Or boasts any musical powers?<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/invitation-to-the-redbreast/
