284 Bird -Lore 



insight as a painter of bird portraits, he lias here placed his subjects in a setting 

 which adds immeasural)ly to their beauty and to the appeal they make to the 

 imagination. These pictures, in the writer's opinion, are Fuertes' greatest 

 achievement and point the way for the development of his exceptional gifts. 



THE HERMIT THRUSH 



By WINIFRED HOLWAY PALMER 



I stood tonight, at twilight's holy hour, 



And heard the thrushes sing ! 

 As from some far, secluded convent tower 



The Angelus might ring. 



Dropping its silver tones, like summer rain. 



Those thirsty souls to bless 

 Whose lives are spent in endless toil and pain, 



Or illness and distress. 



So falls the song ! Each liquid cadence rare 



In time and rhythm true ! 

 Cool, tranquil, calm; unhurried as a prayer, 



And crystal clear as dew ! 



Deep, deep ! Sounding the very depths of life 



In reverential mood; 

 Then higher rising, throbs with meaning rife. 



Far through the dark'ning wood ! 



Higher and yet again, the strain is heard. 



Until the heart is thrilled 

 With mysteries unsolved, and hopes deferred, 



And longings unfulfilled ! 



Now that deep, opening strain is heard once more, 



Bringing its blessed peace! 

 The sunset light is fading; day is o'er. 



And soon the song will cease ! 



Yet in my heart, those tones so wondrous sweet, — 



That song of beauty rare, — 

 The night shall echo; and my dreams repeat 



That softly uttered prayer ! 



