Sonnet to a Nightingale

C. Sanders

Songstress of the rural scene
When moonbeam’s cheer the distant grot
Oft at ev’nings hour serene
Delight me with thy dulcet note!
Around, the flow’ring shrubs befriend
Where no rude urchin hurls the sling
My pines shall Philomel defend
Sweet bird then unmolested sing.
Thy tones the pensive joys prepare
That innocence and peace approve.
Begone dejection — sombre care
Content’s the inmate of the grove
Come then sweet bird and hither — bring
Tranquility, and Nature’s blooming spring.