60 



WOOD NOTES WILD. 



times a whole octave, gurgling out his triplets with every 

 upward movement. Occasionally, on reaching the height, 

 the song bursts like a rocket, and the air is full of silver 

 tones. A second flight, and the key changes with a fresh, 

 wild, and enchanting effect. The hermit's constant and 

 apparently indiscriminate modulations or changes of tonic 

 lend a leading charm to his performances. Start from 

 what point he may, it always proves the right one. 

 When he moves off with 



and then, returning, steps up a degree and follows it with 

 a similar strain, 



it is like listening to the opening of a grand overture. 

 Does one attempt to steal the enchanter's notes, he is 

 anticipated, and finds himself stolen, heart and all the 

 senses. But it is folly to attempt a description of the 

 music of the thrushes, of the skill and beauty of their 

 styles of singing, and all as vain to try to describe 

 their matchless voices. 



