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TO THE MOCKING-BIRD, 



Turdus Polyglottus. — (Linn. 



Bird of Mockery ! Bird of Song I 



To thee all discord's notes belong. 

 When, risen from his couch, the day 

 To ruddy labour hastes away, 

 And many a scansor's screaming' note 

 Through wood, o'er dell, is heard to float, 

 Thy mimic voice is present, loud, 

 As though of all discordance proud : 

 The Bell-bird's clang — the Parrot's prate— 

 Toucans loud hiss of fearful hate — 

 The Cat-bird's mew — Goatsucker s Ha! 

 The Sawing-bird's harsh a grating Ra — 

 By thee sent forth in mimic song ; 

 To thee all discord's notes belong. 

 But now, with silence, wait awhile; — 

 What sounds shall soon the sense beguile! 

 Some Warbler, tenant of the shade, 

 Sends forth his song of sweetness made ; 

 By Thee the strain is instant caught, 

 And with more mellow sweetness wrought ! 



Bird of Mockery ! Bird of Song! 



To thee all pleasing notes belong. 



