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JUNE 1820


FAME tells of groves–from England far away– Groves that inspire the Nightingale to trill And modulate, with subtle reach of skill Elsewhere unmatched, her ever-varying lay; Such bold report I venture to gainsay: For I have heard the quire of Richmond hill Chanting, with indefatigable bill, Strains that recalled to mind a distant day; When, haply under shade of that same wood, And scarcely conscious of the dashing oars 10 Plied steadily between those willowy shores, The sweet-souled Poet of the Seasons stood– Listening, and listening long, in rapturous mood, Ye heavenly Birds! to your Progenitors.