224 ADVENTURES AMONG BIRDS 



to him which reproduces to the eye and ear of the 

 mind the sights and sounds described — the disordered 

 motions, the flutterings and piercing cries of the 

 agitated bird, and the responsive emotions of its 

 tender-hearted mistress, which come, too, in gusts, 

 like those of her captive, and have, too, their own 

 natural rhythm. 



The poem tells that one day Phyllis finds her pet 

 goldfinch in a strangely excited state, in revolt against 

 its destiny, at war with the wires of its cage. 



Phyllis of the tender heart, the simple tastes, the 

 lover of little birds from a child, who, though now a 

 wife, finds in them still her dearest, most intimate 

 happiness. 



What ails her bird ? He strikes his little beak on 

 the wires, then strikes again; he clings to the side of 

 his cage; he flits, above, below, to this side and to 

 that, then grasping a wire with his small mandibles, 

 tugs and tugs as if he hoped by putting forth all his 

 little strength to break it. He cannot break nor bend 

 it, nor can he rest, but tired of tugging he thrusts his 

 head through the close bars and strives and strains 

 to force his way out, beating on them with his wings. 

 Then, after a brief pause, renews and redoubles his 

 puny efforts; and at last, taken out of himself, 

 dashes from side to side, until the suspended cage 

 is shaken with his passion. 



Ah, my birdling, cries lovely Phyllis, astonished 

 and grieved at the spectacle, what a poor return you 

 are making me! How badly this temper fits you! — 



