BIRDS AND POETS. 
163 
For instance — as the most immediate and convenient ex- 
ample — what sentient thing so strikingly illustrates Shak- 
speare as the Mocking Bird ? Though circumstances ren- 
dered the interposition of a " Discoverer" necessary to bring 
to light the Kew AVorld, which alone could furnish the pro- 
totype of such a Genius, yet it is not the less true that it has 
been found. 
And here we, daringly perhaps, present it. The Mocking 
Bird is the Monarch of Earth's song — imperial over all the 
choir of woods and plains that lie beneath the stars — as 
Shakspeare is over that more spiritual choir which, 
" In the rapid plumes of song 
Clothed itself sublime and strong." 
Shakspeare is more human than humanity itself — ^in the sub- 
tility of his mimetic art another " nature that shapes man 
better." The Mocking Bird in its native powers of song 
surpasses all other birds ; and even when imitating them, 
" All that ever was, • 
Joyous, and clear, and fresh, thy music doth surpass." 
On some fair morning, when our Mother wears such holiness 
of smiling peace upon her face that the dreamy Poet wan- 
dering forth might be pardoned for supposing that he was 
" Amidst the young green wood of Paradise, 
Such store of birds therein yshrouded were, 
Chaunting in shade their sundrie melodie," 
until the very hills reverberate, and meadow grasses dance 
in cadence — then might he hear the Mocking Bird triumph- 
ing ! Loud above them all its notes would swell — 
^' With wanton heed and giddy cunning 
Tlie melting voice through mazes running, 
Untwisting all the cliains that tie 
The hidden soul of harmony !" 
