第31章 THE VOICE IN THE SONG

HIGH in the apple bough jauntily swinging, Hid by the branches in bridal array, Straight from his heart, all his life in his singing, Chants a wee bird, lures his mate with his lay.

"Sweet, sweet, my sweet, Hear I entreat!

Say, love, together, this bright sunny weather, Gold of the west we shall weave in a nest!

Have no fear! Trust me, dear!

Sunshine of May that will gild every day Pledge I to thee if thou'lt harken to me."Lo! in the light thro' the gay branches streaming, Quivering in answer to all the bird sings, Warm on a breath, leaps a soul with love gleaming, Speeds to its mate on its glittering wings.

"Dear, on thy breast Earth yields its best!

Loud in the singing I heard thy call ringing, Pleading and strong in the voice of the song, Whisper low,-Yes, just so!-Softly revealing the depth of thy feeling, Words in whose fire glow thy love and desire."MARY GERTRUDE HAMILTON