An Epitaph on a Robin-Redbreast

Samuel Rogers

1763 to 1855

Poem Image

Tread lightly here, for here, ’tis said, 
When piping winds are hushed around,
A small note wakes from underground, 
Where now his tiny bones are laid.
No more in lone and leafless groves,
With ruffled wing and faded breast,
His friendless, homeless spirit roves;
—Gone to the world where birds are blest!
Where never cat glides o’er the green,
Or school-boy’s giant form is seen;
But Love, and Joy, and smiling Spring 
Inspire their little souls to sing!