Explore "Translation" by Oliver Goldsmith on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
CHASTE are their instincts, faithful is their fire, / No foreign beauty tempts to false desire; / The snow-white vesture, and the glittering crown, / The simple plumage, or the glossy down / Prompt not their loves: -the patriot bird pursues / His well acquainted tints, and kindred hues. / Hence through their tribes no mix'd polluted flame, / No monster-breed to mark the groves with shame; / But the chaste blackbird, to its partner true, / Thinks black alone is beauty's favourite hue. / The nightingale, with mutual passion blest, / Sings to its mate, and nightly charms the nest; / While the dark owl to court its partner flies, / And owns its offspring in their yellow eyes.