Invitation to the Redbreast

Sweet bird, whom the winter constrains--
And seldom another it can--
To seek a retreat, while he reigns,
In the well-shelter'd dwellings of man,
Who never canst seem to intrude,
Tho' in all places equally free,
Come, oft as the season is rude!
Thou art sure to be welcome to me.

At sight of the first feeble ray,
That pierces the clouds of the east,
To inveigle thee every day
My window shall show thee a feast;
For, taught by experience, I know
Thee mindful of benefit long;
And that, thankful for all I bestow,
Thou wilt pay me with many a song.

Then, soon as the swell of the buds
Bespeaks the renewal of spring,
Fly hence, if thou wilt, to the woods,
Or where it shall please thee to sing:
And shouldst thou, compell'd by a frost,
Come again to my window or door,
Doubt not an affectionate host!
Only pay, as thou pay'dst me before.

Thus music must needs be confest
To flow from a fountain above;
Else how should it work, in the breast,
Unchangeable friendship and love?
And who on the globe can be found,
Save your generation and ours,
That can be delighted by sound,
Or boast any musical pow'rs?