Page:The Amyntas of Tasso (1770) - Percival Stockdale.djvu/42

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10
AMYNTAS.
Dost thou imagine that the faithful turtle
Intends hostility against his mate?
The constant pair seek a sequestered shade,
Far from the noise, the violence of man:
There do they perch, and in the soft caress,
And tender dialogue they pass the day.
Their voice announces their pathetic souls,
Their souls pathetic, breathing nought but love.
And while they coo, the corresponding woods,
The rugged rocks, seem to admire their flame.
Canst thou suppose the spring, the smiling spring,
When love diffuses all his genial influence,
A season that produces gloomy passions?
Now the gay period reigns; mark it's effects.
Observe the dove, seated on yonder elm;
With soothing murmur how he bills his mate.
Hark the sweet nightingale on yonder spray;
What harmony distends his little throat!
'Tis love's warm imagery that fires his breast;
And pours his raptured sentiments in musick.
The shifting scenes of love are all before him;

I hear