Well did they know that service all by rote; And there was many and many a lovely note – Some, singing loud, as if they had complained; Some with their notes another manner feigned; And some did sing all out with the full throat. The Nightingale thus in my hearing spake : Good Cuckoo, seek some other bush or brake, And, prithee, let us that can sing, dwell here; For every wight eschews thy song to hear, Such uncouth singing verily dost thou make. They pruned themselves, and made themselves What! quoth she then, what is't that ails thee Well satisfied, I thanked her; and she said: By this mishap no longer be dismayed, Then spake one bird, and full assent all gave: This matter asketh counsel good as grave;. Though thou the Cuckoo heard, ere thou heard'st For birds we are all here together brought; THE BIRDS OF KILLING WORTH. L'ENVOY. Pleasure's Aurora, day of gladsomeness! Luna by night, with heavenly influence Illumined! root of beauty and goodness! Write, and allay, by your beneficence, When on the boughs the purple buds expand, My sighs breathed forth in silence,-comfort give! The robin and the bluebird, piping loud, Since of all good you are the best alive. GEOFFREY CHAUCER. Version of WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. The Black Cock. GOOD-MORROW to thy sable beak, A maid there is in yonder tower, One fleeting moment of delight JOANNA BAILLIE. The Birds of Killingworth. It was the season when through all the land The merle and mavis build, and building sing Those lovely lyrics written by His hand Whom Saxon Cædmon calls the Blithe-heart King; 21 Filled all the blossoming orchards with their glee; The sparrows chirped as if they still were proud Across the Sound the birds of passage sailed, Speaking some unknown language strange and sweet Of tropic isle remote, and, passing, hailed Thus came the jocund Spring in Killingworth, They shook their heads, and doomed with dreadful words To swift destruction the whole race of birds. And a town-meeting was convened straightway Then from his house, a temple painted white, The Squire came forth,-august and splendid sight! Slowly descending, with majestic tread, |