"SPEED THE PARTING GUEST." 125 



f ection ; one song especially was the best I ever 

 heard, being louder and more clear than catbirds 

 usually sing. 



As I turned to leave the grounds, "the relieved 

 parent, who had not relished my interest in his 

 little folk, mounted a branch, and, 



" Like a pomegranate flower 

 In the dark foliage of the cedar-tree, 

 Shone out and sang for me." 



And thus I left him. 



