Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/245

Rh Part loosely wing the region, part more wise In common, ranged in figure, wedged their way, Intelligent of seasons, and set forth Their aery caravan, high over seas Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing Easing their flight—so steers the prudent crane Her annual voyage, borne on winds—the air Floats as they pass, fanned with unnumbered plumes. From branch to branch the smaller birds with song Solaced the woods, and spread their painted wings, Till even; nor then the solemn nightingale Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft lays. Others, on silver lakes and rivers, bathed Their downy breast; the swan, with arched neck Between her white wings mantling, proudly rows Her state with oary feet; yet oft they quit The dank, and, rising on stiff pinions, tower The mid aerial sky. Others on ground Walked firm; the crested cock whose clarion sounds The silent hours, and the other whose gay train Adorns him, colored with the florid hue On rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus