



SHRILL, tremulous, and wonder- 

 fully sustained, the cry of the 

 awakened Toad proclaims to 

 the listening night the great re- 

 newal of life* It seems a tireless 

 cry, but the eager ear continues 

 longing after the delayed lapse 

 fnto silence* Another voice is 

 raised in answering tremolo, and 

 another and another join from 

 varied distances until the whole 

 night seems vibrant with the 

 voice of spring* The shrunken 

 and belated moon looks slowly over the city-covered 

 ridge and lights up the weedy pond* Diminutive 

 ripples and irregular disturbances can be dimly 

 discerned where the heralds of the new inspiration 

 raise their heads above the glistening surface* The 

 joy of new life after the long sleep of winter in the 

 concealing, muddy bottom finds satisfying expression 

 in these insistently mingled and musical voices* 



19 Ugly and venomous, 

 Wears yet a precious jewel in his head." 



45 



