Page:Bird-lore Vol 04.djvu/217

 for 2.30am @bserhers

'The Screech Owl’s Valentine

BY FLORENCE A. VAN SANT

A Screech Owl once set out to ﬁnd A comely mate of his own kind; Through wooded haunts and shadows dense He pressed his search with diligence: As a reward He soon espied A feathered ﬁgure. Golden-eyed.

"Goodinight I my lady owl.” said he: "Will you accept my company?” He bowed and snapped, and hopped about, He wildly screamed, then looked devoutr But no word came, His heart to cheer. From lady owl, That perched so near.

The suitor thought her hearing dull. And for her felt quite sorrowful, Again 'by frantic efforts he Did try to woo her from her tree: "Pray, loveliest owlY The forest's pride, Descend and be My heauteous bride."

"A wedding feast of mice we’ll keep, When cats and gunners are asleep: We'll sail like shadows cast at noon. Each night will be a honey—moon.” To this she answered Not one breath; But sat unmoved And still as death.

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