Shrill, tremulous, and wonder- 
fully sustained, the cry of the 
awakened Toad proclaims to 
the listening night the great re- 
newal of life* It seems a tireless 
cry, but the eager ear continues 
longing after the delayed lapse 
into silence* Another voice is 
raised in answering tremolo, and 
another and another join from 
varied distances until the whole 
night seems vibrant with the 
voice of spring* The shrunken 
and belated moon looks slowly over the city-covered 
ridge and lights up the weedy pond* Diminutive 
ripples and irregular disturbances can be dimly 
discerned where the heralds of the new inspiration 
raise their heads above the glistening surface* The 
joy of new life after the long sleep of winter in the 
concealing, muddy bottom finds satisfying expression 
in these insistently mingled and musical voices* 
“ Ugly and venomous. 
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head/* 
45 
