Mistress Cuckoo 



gruity, we may address this shy and tender 

 ornament as Mistress Cuckoo. 



Although this bird pecuHarly befits a poetic 

 mood, it is curious to observe in what different 

 humor the poets allude to it on different oc- 

 casions. To Spenser it is at one time 



" The Merry Cuckoo, messenger of Spring," 

 whose 



" trumpet shrill hath thrice already sounded." 



At another time, in a very disparaging tone, 

 he says : 



" The Cuckoo, when the Mavis sings. 

 Begins his witlesse note apace to clatter." 



Shakespeare is equally contradictory in com- 

 mendation and depreciation of its notes. The 

 difference may be accounted for by the con- 

 trast of its harsh and disagreeable cry, as heard 

 sometimes, and its smooth and distinctly in- 

 toned effect at other times. On Wordsworth 

 it sometimes has a mystical and sombre effect, 

 as being 



"No bird, but an invisible thing, 

 A voice, a mystery ! " 



loi 



