This and the two following were composed in the orchard, Town-
      end, Grasmere, where the bird was often seen as here described.
<BR><BR>
        This Poem, and two others to the same Flower, were written in 
      the year 1802; which is mentioned, because in some of the ideas, 
      though not in the manner in which those ideas are connected, and 
      likewise even in some of the expressions, there is a resemblance 
      to passages in a Poem (lately published) of Mr. Montgomery's, 
      entitled, a Field Flower. This being said, Mr. Montgomery will not 
      think any apology due to him; I cannot, however, help addressing 
      him in the words of the Father of English Poets.
<pre>
            "Though it happe me to rehersin--
             That ye han in your freshe songis saied,
             Forberith me, and beth not ill apaied,
             Sith that ye se I doe it in the honour
             Of Love, and eke in service of the Flour."
                                                              1807.
</pre>
<BR><BR>
See, in Chaucer and the elder Poets, the honours formerly paid to 
      this flower.