296 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS. 



The shadows of evening began to grow long ; 



The monarch once more now demanded a song. 



Desirous to know how their notes would combine 



He directed the songsters in chorus to join. 



With the rich varied concert resounded the glen : 



The Nightingale—Blackcap — the Thrush— Willow- 

 wren i — 



The Redbreast— the Linnet — the Larky with brisk 

 note ; — 



The Stone-chat— Wren— Goldfinch— the Woodlark-^ 

 White-throat ; 



Blackbird'Sttlfinch — the Swallow-^the Petty-chaps 

 loud. 



Missel — Red~pole, and Red-start, were heard 'midst the 

 crowd. 



The Hedge-Sparrow -^ Pig eon — the Siskin — the Dove 



Were pleas'd to pour out, too, the notes of their love. 



Yet who of such sounds may the melody tell 



That, on zephyr's light wings, were borne far up the dell ? 



No artist could copy-^no pen could indite ! 



The Birds, too, were now all preparing for flight. 

 They departed in peace; while the Nightingale's 

 song, 



'Midst the silence was heard, deep, melodious, and strong: 



First, to Eve a rich carol of rapture he sang ; 



Now, with Love notes, the woodlands delightfully rang ; 



Then, to Day a " Farewelj.," and a ** Welcome" to 

 Night, 



He warbled ; — the moon in her splendour rose bright. 



