O
Nightingale, that on yon bloomy
Spray,
Warbl'st at eve, when all the Woods are still
Thou with fresh hope the Lover's heart dost fill,
While the jolly hours lead on
propitious May,
Thy liquid notes that close the eye of Day,
First heard before the shallow
Cuckoo's bill
Portend success in love; O if Jove's will
Have linkt that amorous power to thy soft lay,
Now timely sing, ere the
rude Bird of Hate
Foretell my hopeless doom in some Grove nigh:
Athou from year to year hath sung too late
For my relief; yet hadst no reason why,
Whether the
Muse, or Love call thee his mate,
Both them I serve, and of their
train am I
-- John Milton