The Rambles of an Idler 



Cat-bird 



"What good, at last, is man's philosophy? 

 Better fat worms, or berries rich and red. 

 Than the vain problems that perplex your head. 

 Though, like prowling cat, I mew; 

 As flitting bat when falls the dew; 

 To myself, forever true 



And cheer with song as clever 

 As any ever sung by you. 



Full earnest your endeavor. 

 What if storm goes raging by? 

 Does it dim my sparkling eye? 

 Head at rest beneath my wing. 

 For the moment cease to sing. 

 Waiting, knowing, time will bring 

 Clearer skies and then I hie. 

 Though it be in mid-July, 

 To the happy feeding ground ; 

 Food in plenty always found. 



Take a lesson, then, from me, 

 Life is easy, would you see 

 The wit of my philosophy. 



To Nature, blessfed, who belong; 

 With her army, millions strong, 

 Hold not idleness is wrong. 

 Freed from worry, join the throng, 

 Swell the universal song, 



Birds and blossoms, field and tree, 



Freedom and Simplicity.'' 



92 



