INVITATION TO THE SPARROWS OF CASTELNAU LODGE

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF LE CHEVALIER DE CHATELAIN, BY PATRICK SCOTT.

till ye corne, and welcome still Little fluttering birds to me, As ye tread my window-sill,

Looking so beseechingly For some crumbs in this cold weather.

Therè ! — We'll breakfast ail together.

Sparrows, take your fill, nor fear.

No one hurts the things he loves, And to me ye are as dear

As to Venus her own doves.

Thank me then with those small voices In whose chirp my heart rejoices.

Corne, ye happy warblers corne, Whisper to me your amours.

Friendship calls you to my home,

Yet Jtis mine no more than yours.

Where the welcome's free and hearty,

More the merrier for a party.

Corne my gentle playmates hère

Where your humble bard doth dwell.

Ah ! refuse not — else I fear

I should deem that house a cell,

Living there, by too hard measure,

Disinherited of pleasure.