As when the dove returning bore the mark
Of earth restored to the long labouring ark;
The read more

As when the dove returning bore the mark
Of earth restored to the long labouring ark;
The relics of mankind, secure at rest,
Open every window to receive the guest,
And the fair bearer of the message bless'd.

The Dove,
On silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.

The Dove,
On silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.

Anon, as patient as the female dove
When that her golden couplets are disclosed,
His silence will read more

Anon, as patient as the female dove
When that her golden couplets are disclosed,
His silence will sit drooping.

As the hawk is wont to pursue the trembling doves.
[Lat., Ut solet accipiter trepidas agitare columbas.]

As the hawk is wont to pursue the trembling doves.
[Lat., Ut solet accipiter trepidas agitare columbas.]

See how that pair of billing doves
With open murmurs own their loves
And, heedless of censorious read more

See how that pair of billing doves
With open murmurs own their loves
And, heedless of censorious eyes,
Pursue their unpolluted joys:
No fears of future want molest
The downy quiet of their nest.

And oft I heard the tender dove
In firry woodlands making moan.

And oft I heard the tender dove
In firry woodlands making moan.

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I
fly away, and be read more

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I
fly away, and be at rest.

The thrustelcok made eek hir lay,
The wode dove upon the spray
She sang ful loude and read more

The thrustelcok made eek hir lay,
The wode dove upon the spray
She sang ful loude and cleere.