to remain in peaceful occupancy. The nest was found to contain eighteen fresh 

 eggs, of which about a third belonged to the Merganser ; and as the nest was 

 lined with her own dark-colored down, it appeared probable that this bird was 

 the rightful owner of the premises." 



The Titmouse 



This poet, though he live apart, 



Gloved by his hospitable heart, 



Sped when I passed his sylvan fort. 



To do the honors of his court, 



As fits a feathered lord of land ; 



Flew near, with soft wing grazed my hand. 



Hopped on the bough, then darting low 



Prints his small impress on the snow. 



Shows feats of his gymnastic play. 



Head downward, clinging to the spray. 



'Tis good-will makes intelligence. 



And I begin to catch the sense 



Of my bird's song; "Live out of doors 



In the great woods, on prairie floors. 



I dine in the sun : when he sinks in the sea, 



I, too, have a hole in a hollow tree : 



And I like less when summer beats 



With stifling beams on these retreats. 



Than noontide twilights which snow makes 



^^'ith tempest of blinding flakes." 



I think old Caesar must have heard 

 In northern Gaul my dauntless bird, 

 And, echoed in some frosty wold. 

 Borrowed thy battle-numbers bold. 

 And I will write our annals new. 

 And thank thee for a better clew. 

 I, who dreamed not when I came here 

 To find the antidote of fear. 



— Ralph Waldo Emerson. 



571 



