Sparrow, Field 



Of robin and linnet and wren and jay, 



One syllable, oft repeated : 

 He has but a word to say, 



And of that he will not be cheated. 



The singer I have not seen; 



But the song I arise and follow 

 The brown hills over, the pastures green, 



And into the sunlit hollow. 

 With a joy that his life unto mine has lent, 



I can feel my glad eyes glisten, 

 Though he hides in his happy tent, 



While I stand outside and listen. 



This way would I also sing, 



My dear little hillside neighbor! 

 A tender carol of peace to bring 



To the sunburnt fields of labor 

 Is better than making a loud ado; 



Trill on, amid clover and yarrow! 

 There's a heart-beat echoing you, 



And blessing you, blithe little sparrow! 



LUCY LAECOM. 



SPARROW, FOX 



The first sight of the bird is surely a memorable expe- 

 rience. What with his large size, his striking fox-colored 

 back and tail, together with the remarkable combination 

 of slate-gray and fox on his head, he seems a new, strange 

 creature. 



FLORENCE A. MERRIAM. Birds of Village and Field. 1 

 133 



