A Book on Birds 



The Heart of Winter 



Hail, Springs of life within the silent rock! 

 I know the secret of your hiding-place, 

 I hear the hidden music of your flowing, 

 I see the vemal sunbeams brightly glowing 

 Above the limpid depths of your embrace. 

 And though no bolt of heaven nor thunder-shock 



Hath aught of power to pierce your mighty prison. 

 Yet this, this too, I know, that by and by 

 Some messenger of song that God hath sent 

 Will seek these solid walls, and find their portal, 

 And gently call you forth, in faith immortal, — 

 Will gently call till every bar is rent. 

 And Earth awakens with the joyful cry, 



"Behold, behold — the Springs of life are risen!" 



[24 



