Beau's Reply Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH IJIK LMNM OPOPSir when I flew to seize the bird | A |
In spite of your command | B |
A louder voice than yours I heard | A |
And harder to withstand | B |
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You cried Forbear but in my breast | C |
A mightier cried Proceed | D |
'Twas nature Sir whose strong behest | C |
Impell'd me to the deed | D |
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Yet much as nature I respect | E |
I ventured once to break | F |
As you perhaps may recollect | E |
Her precept for your sake | F |
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And when your linnet on a day | G |
Passing his prison door | H |
Had flutter'd all his strength away | G |
And panting press'd the floor | H |
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Well knowing him a sacred thing | I |
Not destined to my tooth | J |
I only kiss'd his ruffled wing | I |
And lick'd the feathers smooth | K |
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Let my obedience then excuse | L |
My disobedience now | M |
Nor some reproof yourself refuse | N |
From your aggrieved bow wow | M |
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If killing birds be such a crime | O |
Which I can hardly see | P |
What think you Sir of killing time | O |
With verse address'd to me | P |
William Cowper
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