BIRDS AND POETS. 163 



For instance as the most immediate and convenient ex- 

 ample what sentient thing so strikingly illustrates Shak- 

 speare as the Mocking Bird ? Though circumstances ren- 

 dered the interposition of a " Discoverer" necessary to bring 

 to light the New World, which alone could furnish the pro- 

 totype of such a Genius, yet it is not the less true that it has 

 been found. 



And here we, daringly perhaps, present it. The Mocking 

 Bird is the Monarch of Earth's song imperial over all the 

 choir of woods and plains that lie beneath the stars as 

 Shakspeare is over that more spiritual choir which, 



" In the rapid plumes of song 

 Clothed itself sublime and strong." 



Shakspeare is more human than humanity itself in the sub- 

 tility of his mimetic art another " nature that shapes man 

 better." The Mocking Bird in its native powers of song 

 surpasses all other birds ; and even when imitating them, 



" All that ever was, 

 Joyous, and clear, and fresh, thy music doth surpass." 



On some fair morning, when our Mother wears such holiness 

 of smiling peace upon her face that the dreamy Poet wan- 

 dering forth might be pardoned for supposing that he was 



" Amidst the young green wood of Paradise, 

 Such store of birds therein yshrouded were, 

 Chaunting in shade their sundrie melodie," 



until the very hills reverberate, and meadow grasses dance 

 in cadence then might he hear the Mocking Bird triumph- 

 ing I Loud above them all its notes would swell 



" With wanton heed and giddy cunning 

 The melting voice through mazes running, 

 Untwisting all the chains that tie 

 The hidden soul of harmony !" 



