64 THE FRIENDSHIP OF NATURE 



The sap flows into dry branches and the 

 river leaps along madly, but summer, 

 with its poppy-fringed cloak, brings 

 the peace of fulfilment. 



Standing in the sunlight, we listen 

 and hesitate; the wind whispers as it 

 passes and brings alluring messages. 

 The trees call us to come to their shade 

 and learn the birds' secrets, to rest on 

 their moss-cushioned trunks, and listen 

 to the music of the brook as it makes 

 harp-strings of their pushing roots and 

 sings the Song of Summer. So, per- 

 suaded, we go out through the mid- 

 summer ways, and the dogs reconnoitre 

 before us as scouts. 



The weeds and flowers are mingled 

 together along the roadside, and the 

 loiterer treasures many things that the 

 farmer casts out of his fields. The 

 yellow-starred St. Johnswort traces 

 the path, and the grimy burdock. 



