A Book on Birds 



The Oven-Bird 



"Teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher!'* 

 Was there ever such a saucy creature? — 

 Boasting loud and clear, in your very ear, 

 That you cannot find him, far or near! 



How he sets the forest aisles a-ringing 



With his merry notes, more noise than singing! 



And how impudent is his plain intent 



To divert the quest on which you're bent! 



Surely, now, you think, he's over yonder; 

 But, next moment, as you peer and ponder. 

 Quick and bright and gay as a boy at play, 

 He invites you, ''Look this other way!" 



Yet, don't blame him; birds have many a reason 

 In the deep, mysterious summer season. 

 Thus to call and hide, and to lure aside 

 Those who seek and will not be denied. 



In these ferny, redolent recesses. 

 Just where one least dreams of it, or guesses. 

 Nestling in the ground, he, the Golden-crowned, 

 Has a home 'twould grieve him were it found. 



Yes, 'twould put him to complete confusion 

 Should you stumble on its sweet seclusion. 

 So be kind to him — have a mind to him, 

 As you tread these pathways cool and dim. 



[128] 



