It is a foule byrd that fyleth his owne nest.

John Heywood (Circa 1565): Proverbes. Part ii. Chap. v.

For Time will teach thee soon the truth,

There are no birds in last year's nest!

Henry W Longfellow (1807-1882): It is not always May.

A pleasing land of drowsyhed it was,

Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye;

And of gay castles in the clouds that pass,

Forever flushing round a summer sky:

There eke the soft delights that witchingly

Instil a wanton sweetness through the breast,

And the calm pleasures always hover'd nigh;

But whate'er smack'd of noyance or unrest

Was far, far off expell'd from this delicious nest.

James Thomson (1700-1748): The Castle of Indolence. Canto i. Stanza 6.

With books and money plac'd for show

Like nest-eggs to make clients lay,

And for his false opinion pay.

Samuel Butler (1600-1680): Hudibras. Part iii. Canto iii. Line 624.