BIRDS AND POETS. 167 



In the tender melancholy, the full, liquid flow of Milton's 

 majestic measures we can perceive something more than an 

 imaginary resemblance to the characteristics of the bird's 



song; 



" And Philomel her song with tears doth steep !" 



as well as the Blind Singer. The nations crowding eagerly 

 around the pedastal of the Poet's fame, to do obeisance to his 

 memory, bear witness that 



" The mellow touch of music most doth wound 

 The soule when it doth rather sigh than sound ;" 



and, softened down the lengthened night of ages, do those 

 " Sighs resound through harkless ground." 



Though this saddened, mournful earnestness tempers and 

 leads the general flow of his verse, yet " L' Allegro" is con- 

 trasted with " II Penseroso :" he can and does smile as well 

 as weep ; and the music of his delicate mirth 



" Falls on us like a silent dew 



Or like those maiden showers 

 Which, like the peep of day, do strew 

 A babtime o'er the flowers!" 



The Nightingale will not sing freely when deprived of its 

 liberty, and fast languishes in a cage. Here we are reminded 

 of Milton's stern indomitable devotion to human freedom. 

 Who does not remember that glorious burst of this holy en- 

 thusiasm 



The uncontrolled worth 



Of this poor cause would kindle my rapt spirit 



"With such a flame of sacred vehemence, 



That dumb things would be moved to sympathize, 



And the brute Earth would lend her nerves, and shake." 



Both Bird and Poet were clothed in that " russet mantle," 

 which Time and all things else solemn and strong, love best 



