Page:Poems Chandler.djvu/81

MY CAPTIVE.

CAUGHT a little bird, and I shut him in a cage,
 And I said, "Now, my pet. I love thee dearly.
Fold thy bright wings, nor let thy fancy range:
 Thou 'rt mine own, so sing, I pray thee, cheerly."

But, oh, the little bird, he fluttered still his wings,
 And with bright, wild eyes he never ceased to watch me,
And I only heard him say, "'Tis a free heart that sings,—
 Open my door, and I'll sing till you catch me."