The Ruffed Grouse 21 
Close behind them come the crossbills, 
Come with joyous notes the redpolls, 
Come pine grosbeaks, too confiding. 
Come the hosts from Arctic nestings. 
Colder grows the lengthening darkness. 
Feebler grow the sun's caresses. 
Wailing winds rush through the forests. 
Sweeping myriad leaves before them ; 
But the partridge fears no storm-wind, 
Winter has for her no terrors. 
Warm her heart and thick her feathers, 
Strong her wings and brave her nature, 
She exults in whirling beech leaves. 
Groaning branches make her music, 
Snowflakes form for her a shelter. 
Food is certain as in summer. 
Foes are fewer than in autumn. 
Countless ages has Chocorua 
Seen the partridge in the forest. 
Heard his intermittent drumming. 
Seen him budding night and morning. 
