Poems upon Several Occasions/33
MYRA's PARROT.
IN those first times, when Nymphs were rude and coy,
The Gods disguis'd, laid ambushed for Joy;
From Jove in Feathers, harmless to the Sight,
Læda, without a Blush, accepts Delight.
Myra, as chaste as Læda, and more fair,
Forgive an anxious Lover's jealous Care,
And O take heed, for if such Tales were true,
The Gods may practise these Designs on you;
Their Heav'n and all their Brightness they will quit
For any Form, that may to you admit.
See, how the wanton Bird, at ev'ry Glance,
Spreads his gay plumes, and feels an am'rous Trance;
Prest by that Hand, he melts at ev'ry Touch;
Prest by that Hand, who wou'd not melt as much?
The Queen of Beauty shall forsake the Dove,
Henceforth the Parrot be the Bird of Love.