Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/24

 But Toxaway's rival gave forth the echo, "Kid-dów, Kid-dów, Kid-dów!"

Now list to the out-flow from the topmost tree, Coming down from the Thrasher in perfect frenzy;

The birds and I marvelled as he swept on alone, Now high, and now low, now a thrilled overtone.

THRASHER'S ADMIRATION. Photo by Author.

And lo! just then, A voice—a Wren, From a fern-lit glen,

Burst forth like a rippling fountain of life, Rebuking old Mars with his death-dealing strife;

And it seemed that I caught for the sons of men, The lost chord of an angel in the song of the Wren.

Discord now from birds as black as night: "Caw! Caw! Caw!" Screamed a full score, Or even more,

Till stones by me hurled put them all to flight.

Again was felt a pause, a silence deep, When four of the feathered friends who copy song, Were planning fain their secret, potent word, Worthy of the wisest of mankind; The proud quartette then took the airy stage: