Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/172

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the tiniest humming-bird Startled at any sound that's heard, It flies away, and on my word
 * Seems subject to vertigo;

But you may make the wild thing tame, And prompt obedience from it claim, If Molière should be your name,
 * Or you be Victor Hugo.

As a prisoner left alone, Upon his own resources thrown, In a dungeon dank of stone,
 * Easy finds it to entice

Upon his shoulder, lap or hand, Thanks to forced leisure, patience planned, Spider or lizard, and command
 * Out to peer the timid mice,

So by long effort, time and will, Is obtained at last the skill With confidence and trust to fill
 * Rhyme, the bird so shy before;