INSCRIPTIONS on a Monument to the Memory of a Lady's favourite Bullfinch.
18th Century David Garrick EnglishINSCRIPTIONS on a Monument to the Memory of a Lady's favourite Bullfinch.
By the Same.
On the Front of the Stone.
On the Right Side.
THE goddesses of wit and love Have patroniz'd the owl and dove; From whose protection both lay claim To immortality and fame:
Could wit alone, or beauty, give To birds the same prerogative; My double claim had fate defy'd, And LUCY'S fav'rite ne'er had dy'd.
On the Left Side.
THO' here my body lies interr'd, I still can be a tell-tale bird; If DAVID should pollute these shades, And wanton with my lady's maids; Or DICK sneak out to field or park, To play with MOPSY in the dark; Or WILL, that noble, generous youth, Should err from wisdom, taste, and truth; And bless'd with all that's fair and good, Should quit a seast for grosser food: I'll rise again a restless sprite, Will haunt my lonely cage by night; There swell my throat and plume my wing, And every tale to LUCY sing.