See Julia and her sister Jane,
On the grass bed of velvet green,
How each shows her care and love,
For her sweet pet turtle dove.

Pillowed on their guiltless breast,
Like a warm and living nest;
They seem to draw an early sense,
Of purity and innocence.

Fann’d by their soft and tender wings,
A moral from their pressure springs;
A wish in innocence to move,
As gently as the peaceful dove.

Oh! ever may such living toys,
Be the theme of childhood’s joys,
And cultivate as years increase,
The love of virtue, truth and peace.