292 THE NIGHTINGALE. 



vicinity of Nantes, in the lonesome vineyard of which I have spoken 

 in a preceding page. The nights, less sparkling, were lightly veiled 

 with a warm haze, through which the stars discreetly sent their tender 

 glances. A nightingale nestled on the ground, in a spot but half con- 

 cealed, under my cedar tree, and among the periwinkle-flowers. He 

 began towards midnight, and continued until dawn; happily, mani- 

 festly proud, in his solitary vigil, and filling the majestic silence with 

 his voice. No one interrupted him except, near morning, the cock, 

 a creature of a different world, a stranger to the songs of the spirit, 

 but a punctual sentinel, who felt himself conscientiously compelled 

 to indicate the hour and warn the workman. 



" The other persisted for some time in his strain, seeming to say, 

 like Juliet to Romeo: 'No, it is not the day.' 



" His stationing himself near us showed that he feared nothing, 

 that he knew how profound a security he might enjoy by the side of 

 two hermits of work, very busy, very benevolent, and not less 

 occupied than the winged solitary in their song and their dream. 

 We could watch him at our ease, either fluttering about en famille, 

 or maintaining a rivalry in song with a haughty neighbour who 

 sometimes came to brave him. In course of time we became, I 

 think, rather agreeable to him, as assiduous auditors, amateurs, per- 

 haps connoisseurs. The nightingale feels the want of appreciation 

 and applause; he plainly has a great regard for man's attentive ear, 

 and fully comprehends his admiration. 



" Once more I can see him, at some ten or fifteen paces distant, 

 hopping forward in accordance with my movements, preserving the 

 same interval between us, so as to keep always out of reach, but at 

 the same time to be heard and admired. 



"The attire in which you are clothed is by no means a matter 

 of indifference to him. I have observed that birds in general do not 

 like black, and that they are afraid of it. I was dressed quite to his 

 fancy, in white shaded with lilac, with a straw hat ornamented with 

 a few blossoms. Every minute I could see him fix upon me his black 

 eye, of a singular vivacity, wild and gentle, sometimes a. little proud, 



