Man-o'-the-Wood and Golden-Throat 



Mi»N-0'-THE-W00D AND GoLDEN-ThROAT 



(Lines written upon meeting the Brown Thrasher) 



''What are you singing for — Golden-throat? 



The earth is empty here; 

 In all these forest aisles remote 



There is not one listening ear. 

 That glorious strain, celestial bird, 



Deserves a raptured throng; 

 To pour it forth alone, unheard, 



Seems but a waste of song." 



"What are you loving for — Man-o'-the-wood 



With heaven in your face; 

 Amidst this utter solitude 



All love is out of place. 

 Your Heart's-desire hath passed afar 



To brighter realms above; 

 To keep on loving where you are 



Seems but a waste of love." 



"Just for the joy of it! — Golden-throat, 



The joy a true love brings." 

 "And I, dear man, miss never a note 



For the joy a true song sings." — 

 O, blithesome bird — thrice happy man! 



Such love, such song as yours 

 Made life divine when life began, 



And will, while life endures. 



[109] 



