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Feathered Pioneers 



[FIRST WEEK 



Hark 'tis the bluebird's venturous strain 



High on the old fringed elm at the gate 



Sweet-voiced, valiant on the swaying bough, 

 Alert, elate, 



Dodging the fitful spits of snow, 

 New England's poet-laureate 



Telling us Spring has come again! 



THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH. 



