Page:Poems Chandler.djvu/81

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MY CAPTIVE.
77
MY CAPTIVE.
ICAUGHT 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."