THE HOME OF THE WILLOW- WREN 47 



with shut wings to the earth, it ends with two 

 or three notes the most passionate and beautiful 

 of all. It were vain to attempt an interpretation 

 of the skylark's carol, for it cannot be compared 

 with the outcome of any emotion felt in the 

 human heart. But it is, nevertheless, akin to 

 something that strives within us for utterance. 



There is one essential difference between the 

 outburst of the lark and the spring music 

 of the warbler one tells of a spirit of aban- 

 donment to be expected in a bird that loves 

 to climb the sky towards the very gate of 

 heaven ; the other whispers of a scarcely less 

 charming spirit of diffidence befitting a bird 

 that delights in the seclusion of the willows 

 and hazels near the river. The early lay of 

 the willow-warbler is perfect in every note ; 

 nothing occurs in it to mar its wonderful sweet- 

 ness. But if we would really enjoy the sweetness 

 of the melody, we must wait and listen, and 

 turn over its gentle phrases again and again in 

 our mind. The song will remain with us when 

 summer passes away. 



Since his arrival in the valley, the warbler 

 has partly changed his habits. He is shyer 

 than he was when first I saw him ; day by 

 day the leafy screens are becoming denser 

 about his retreat, and he takes full advantage 

 of his surroundings to hide away from prying 



