POWER OF MELODY. 17 



have both the birds to which the Greek philosopher referred 

 in his pointed rebuke of human vanity, but these are intro- 

 duced, and not native species, although we now reckon 

 them among British birds. True we have the Kingfisher, 

 that gemmed monarch of the streams; and the dapper 

 Goldfinch, with his gaily-brocaded suit, and some others, 

 which might take their place among the natives of tropical 

 climes ; but these are exceptions to the rule. The feathered 

 denizens of our woods and groves generally are sober- 

 suited, and not calculated to attract the eye, except, as 

 in many cases, by their elegance of form, and grace and 

 sprightliness of motion. But then, the music that is poured 

 forth from their tuneful throats ! How delightful is this ! 

 Where shall we find sweet songsters so numerous and 

 diversified in their strains ? Where listen to such trills and 

 gushes of divinest melody ? Beauty of colour has a charm 

 for the eye, and divers tints and hues harmonised or con- 

 trasted, please and delight us ; for truly, as Keats has 

 sung, 



A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. 



But the influence of sweet music is more powerful to reach 

 the soul, and wake the feelings and emotions which are 

 most deep, and holy, and tender; therefore we say how- 

 ever much we may admire the glorious hues that bedeck 

 the Lory and the Parrakeet, and other richly-feathered 

 birds of tropical climes 



Give us the Blackbird, with its flute-like voice ; 

 Give us the Nightingale, that doth rejoice 

 To pour its plaintive cadences around, 

 When hushed by sleep is every other sound ; 

 Give us the Linnet and the soaring Lark ^ 

 That sweetly singeth as he soareth hark ! 

 A song of gratitude he 's trilling now; 

 Give us the speckled Thrush, that on the bough 

 Of the late blooming elder sits to sing 

 A mellow strain the summer's welcoming ; 

 Give us the friendly Robin Redbreast, though 

 He hath of melody no lengthened flow ; 

 The Wren ; and e'en the Sparrow, with his ' tweet/ 

 Though short the note be, it is passing sweet. 

 B 



