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THE BIRD AND THE ARRAS

By near resemblance see that bird betrayed
Who takes the well wrought arras for a shade,
There hopes to perch and with a cheerful tune
O'er-pass the scorchings of the sultry noon.
But soon repulsed by the obdurate scene                         5
How swift she turns, but turns alas in vain.
That piece a grove, this shows an ambient sky,
Where imitated fowl their pinions ply,
Seeming to mount in flight and aiming still more high.
All she outstrips, and with a moment's pride                    10
Their understation silent does deride,
Till the dashed ceiling strikes her to the found,
No intercepting shrub to break the fall is found;
Recovering breath the window next she gains,
Nor fears a strop from the transparent panes.                   15

But we digress and leave th' imprisoned wretch,
Now sinking low, now on a loftier stretch,
Fluttering in endless circles of dismay
Till some kind hand directs the certain way,
Which through the casement an escape affords,                   20
And leads to ample space, the only Heaven of birds.

Notes
11.  Lower position