THE BROOK TROUT'S HOME 



"I am Salmo fontinalis, 



To the sparkling fountain born; 

 And my home is where oxalis, 

 Heather bell and rose adorn 

 The crystal basin in the dell 

 (Undine the wood-nymph knows it well): 

 That is where I love to dwell. 



There was I baptized and christened, 



'Neath the somber aisles of oak; 

 Mute the cascade paused and listened, 

 Never a word the brooklet spoke ; 

 Bobolink was witness then, 

 Likewise grosbeak, linnet, wren 

 And all the fairies joined "amen!" 



Thus as Salmo fontinalis 



Recognized the wide world o'er, 

 In my limpid crystal palace, 

 Content withal, I ask no more. 



Leaping through the rainbow spray, 

 Snatching flies the livelong day, 

 Naught to do but eat and play." 



CHARLES HALLOCK. 



