The Inconstant Dove

TWO Doves, more constant in their kind
Than any creatures that we find,
Freely conversing mate with mate,
On their own truly happy state;
Pluming his neck, the male bird cry'd--
"Thou my delight and only pride!
"Without thee, could I pass thro' life,
"My friend, my comforter, my wife!
"Ah no!--such happiness to miss,
"Long had I dy'd--ah! long ere this!"
        "Perhaps ere long," the mate reply'd,
"My place had not been ill supplied:

"Suppose I leave you, just to try
"Who is the truest, you or I:
"For three days only I'll be gone,
"Then freely own the truth anon.
"If wretched, as you now suppose,
"We will renew our constant vows;
"From doubts of constancy releas'd,
"Our love renew'd, shall be increas'd."
    Thus was given no denial,
Sure that he could stand the trial:
Cooing tenderly, they parted,
Nor was either much faint-hearted.
    The three days o'er, return'd the Dove,
Hoping her solitary love
Would rejoice the trial ended,
On which happiness depended.
But how can we her feelings state,
When she beheld another mate
Perch'd near her false inconstant spouse
Listening to his perjur'd vows.

        Stagger'd by doubts, she said, in brief,
"I find you would not die with grief:--
"Wish your companion a good night,
"And then confess that I am right.
"Being so happy, love of mine,
"Let the confession pray be thine,"
Said the once constant tender bird,
And then the simple case referr'd
To her, who sitting by his side,
Own'd he was free to chuse a bride,
And leave his own misjudging mate,
Who knew her happiness too late.
        Flying to the adjacent grove,
Forlorn the poor forsaken Dove
Repented, while she liv'd, her folly,
Died a prey to melancholy.

MORAL.

Since happiness is found so rare,
Much it behoves us to beware,
Being blest in the possession,
'Tis not lost by our transgression;
Foolish experiments, 'tis known,
Are ever better let alone.

Original fables by a Lady

Printed by W. Calvert, Shire Lane, Lincoln's Inn, for B. Crosby and Co. London, 1810

To your Royal Highness the following Fables are dedicated, with a wish that in an interval of leisure some transient amusement may be obtained.