Greetings 



Darlings of children and of bard, 



Perfect kinds by vice unmarred, 



All of worth and beauty set 



Gems in Nature's cabinet; 



These the fables she esteems 



Reality most like to dreams. 



Welcome back, you little nations, 



Far-travelled in the south plantations; 



Bring your music and rhythmic flight, 



Your colors for our eyes' delight: 



Freely nestle in our roof. 



Weave your chamber weatherproof; 



And your enchanting manners bring 



And your autumnal gathering. 



Exchange in conclave general 



Greetings kind to each and all, 



Conscious each of duty done 



And unstained as the sun. Emerson. 



What are the voices of birds — 

 Ay, and of beasts, — but words, our words. 

 Only so much more sweet? 



Browning. 



The little Hiawatha 

 Learned of every bird its language. 

 Learned their names and all their secrets, 

 How they built their nests in summer. 

 Where they hid themselves in winter. 

 Talked with them whene'er he met them. 

 Called them Hiawatha's Chickens. 



Longfellow. 



15 



