Bird of Paradise

“I asked her would she like some grapes,

Some damsons ripe and sweet;

A custard made with new-laid eggs,

Or tender fowl to eat.

“I promised I would follow her,

To see her in her grave;

And buy a wreath with borrowed pence,

If nothing I could save.

“Yet still her cry but came to this—

‘Not for the world! Take care;

Don’t touch that bird of paradise,

Perched on the bed-past there!’”