BIRDS OF THE NIGHT. 295 



A lengthened pause ensues ; but hark again ! 

 From the near woodland, stealing o'er the plain, 

 Comes forth a sweeter and a holier strain ! 



Listening delighted, 

 The gales breathe softly, as they bear along 

 The warbled treasure, the tumultuous throng 

 Of notes that swell accordant in the song, 



As love is plighted. 



The echoes, joyful, from their vocal cell, 

 Leap with the winged sounds o'er hill and dell, 

 "With kindling fervor as the chimes they tell 



To wakeful even : 

 They melt upon the ear ; they float away, 

 They rise, they sink, they hasten, they delay, 

 And hold the listener with bewitching sway, 



Like sounds from heaven. 



