ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 15 



Indigo Bird 



Dear bird, thy light, untiring little song 



Comes tinkling to my ear the whole day long : — 



Those days when life hath gained a richer tune ; 



When weedy hills, but ankle-deep in June, 



Submerge the knee ; and as we saunter down 



Toward the stream, hip, waist, chest, shoulder, crown 



Are duly lost below the rising tide, 



Until beneath a -roof of bloom we hide ; — 



Days when the meadow buzzes, chirps, and creaks, 



As though pent sound had found a myriad leaks ; 



And when the night, from fireflies' fitful gleams, 



An interweaving constellation seems. 



These days are thine, thou handsome lake-blue mote, 



Bound captive in thy slender, lisping note. 



But when the sun in glory seeks its rest, 

 And earth hath most of Heaven on its breast, 

 'Tis then, light-hearted one, I love thee best. 

 For o'er the glowing mead I see thee rise 

 On mounting wing toward the lovely skies ; 

 Then, motionless of feather, downward glide, 

 Spreading thy happy notes on every side. 

 This golden hour hath brought to thee and me 

 A taste of Heaven's own serenity; 

 And heart is linked to heart in silent sympathy. 



Henry Oldys. 



Field Sparrow 



Thou humble little minstrel of the field, 

 Modest thy voice and innocent of art ; 



But the delight thy simple strain doth yield 

 Captures my heart. 



Henry Oldys. 



