Epistles.
69
In hope his hideous shrieks would grateful prove,
But the nice audience hoot him thro' the grove: 370
Conscious of wanted worth, and just disdain,
Low'ring his crest, he creeps to Juno's fane,
To his protectress there reveals the case,
And for a sweeter voice devoutly prays.
Then thus reply'd the radiant goddess, known 375
By her fair rolling eyes and rattling tone:
"My fav'rite Bird! of all the feather'd kind we
"Each species had peculiar gifts assign'd;
"The tow'ring eagles to the realms of light
"By their strong pounces claim a regal right; 380
"The swan, contented with an humbler fate,
"Low on the fishy river rows in state;
"Gay starry plumes thy length of train bedeck,
"And the green em'rald twinkles on thy neck;
"But the poor nightingale, in mean attire, 385
"Is made chief warbler of the woodland choir:
"These various bounties were dispos'd above,
"And ratify'd th' unchanging will of Jove.
"Discern thy talent, and his laws adore;
"Be what thou wert design'd, nor aim at more." 390
But the nice audience hoot him thro' the grove: 370
Conscious of wanted worth, and just disdain,
Low'ring his crest, he creeps to Juno's fane,
To his protectress there reveals the case,
And for a sweeter voice devoutly prays.
Then thus reply'd the radiant goddess, known 375
By her fair rolling eyes and rattling tone:
"My fav'rite Bird! of all the feather'd kind we
"Each species had peculiar gifts assign'd;
"The tow'ring eagles to the realms of light
"By their strong pounces claim a regal right; 380
"The swan, contented with an humbler fate,
"Low on the fishy river rows in state;
"Gay starry plumes thy length of train bedeck,
"And the green em'rald twinkles on thy neck;
"But the poor nightingale, in mean attire, 385
"Is made chief warbler of the woodland choir:
"These various bounties were dispos'd above,
"And ratify'd th' unchanging will of Jove.
"Discern thy talent, and his laws adore;
"Be what thou wert design'd, nor aim at more." 390
