IN FOLK SONGS 



129 



In a little Servian swallow song 

 our bird appears in the role of 

 a comforter to some neglected 

 young eagles. She promises 



to take the fatherless little ones far away to 

 a happier land : — 



" O silent dew, why fallest thou not on me ? " 

 The small-leafed Basil made her plaintive cry. 

 "Two mornings now, my moisture freshened thee," 

 The dew, reproachful, whispered in reply. 

 "This morn an eagle and a sprite I saw, 

 A mountain spirit, quarreling o'er yon mount — 

 ' The mount is mine, 'twas given me by law ! ' 

 The spirit cried. The eagle took no count. 



CAM. SW. BK. 9 



