206 With the Birds and Poets 



Walter Von der Vogelweide, the greatest lyric 

 poet of Germany until Goethe, is said to have 

 acquired his art from the birds, and Longfellow 

 has perpetuated the pretty legend concerning the 

 poet's grave. It is said to have been provided in 

 his will that the birds should be fed daily at noon 

 upon the slab which covers his resting place: 



"Thus the bard of love departed: 



And, fulfilling his desire, 

 On his tomb the birds were feasted 

 By the children of the choir." 



