2S2 IN BIRD LAND. 



his verse, like the skilful weaver who runs a line of 

 exquisite tint through his weft. Here is an instance, 

 found in the poem called "Threnodia," — 



" I loved to see the infant soul 



Peep timidly from out its nest, 



His lips, the while, 



Fluttering with half-fledged words, 



Or hushing to a smile 



That more than w ords expressed. 



When his glad mother on him stole 



And snatched him to her breast I 



O, thoughts were brooding in those eyes. 



That would have soared like strong-winged birds 



Far, far into the skies. 



Gladding the earth with song 



And gushing harmonies." 



Here is another fine simile, — 



" As if a lark should suddenly drop dead 



While the blue air yet trembled with its song, 

 So snapped at once that music's golden thread." 



In the following stanzas on "The Falcon" — • 

 used as a metaphor for Truth — there is a captivat- 

 ing multiplicity of figures, — 



" I know a falcon swift and peerless 

 As e'er was cradled in the pine; 

 No bird had ever eye so fearless. 

 Or wing so strong as this of mine. 



" The winds not better love to pilot 

 A cloud with molten gold o'errun. 

 Than him, a little burning islet, 

 A star above the coming sun. 



