Gallant and gay in their doublets gray, 

 All at a flash, like the darting of flame, 



Chattering Arabic, African, Indian — 

 Certain of springtime the swallows came. 



Doublets of gray silk and surcoats of purple. 

 And ruffs of russet round each little throat. 



Wearing such garb they had crossed the waters. 

 Mariners sailing with never a boat. 



Cleaving the clouds with their moon-edged pinions. 

 High over city and vii.eyard and mart ; 



April to pilot them ; May speeding after ; 

 And each bird's compass his small red heart. 



Edwin Aknold. 



