BIRDS. 187 
this small bird possesses in its throat, as to extension of 
sound, sweetness of tone, and versatility of notes. Its 
song is composed of several musical passages, each of 
which does not continue more than the third part of a 
minute ; but they are so varied, the passing from one 
tone to another is so fanciful and so rapid, and the melody 
so sweet and so mellow, that the most consummate musi- 
cian is pleasingly led to a deep sense of admiration at 
hearing it. Sometimes joyful and merry, it runs down 
the diapason with the velocity of lightning, touching the 
treble and the bass nearly at the same instant ; at other 
times, mournful and plaintive, the unfortunate Philomela 
draws heavily her lengthened notes, and breathes a de- 
lightful melancholy around. These have the appearance 
of sorrowful sighs ; the other modulations resemble the 
laughter of the happy. Solitary on the twig of a small 
tree, and cautiously at a certain distance from the nest, 
where the pledges of his love are treasured under the foster- 
ing breast of his mate, the male fills constantly the silent 
woods with his harmonious strains ; and during the whole 
night entertains and repays his female for the irksome 
duties of incubation. For the Nightingale not only sings 
at intervals during the day, but he waits till the blackbird 
and the thrush have uttered their evening call, even till 
the stock and ring doves have, by their soft murmurings, 
lulled each other to rest, and then he pours forth his full 
tide of melody. 
Listening Philomela deigns 
To let them joy, and purposes, in thought 
Elate, to make her night excel their day. 
THOMSON. 
It is a great subject of astonishment that so small a 
bird should be endowed with such potent lungs. If the 
evening is calm, it is supposed that its song may be heard 
above half a mile. This bird, the ornament and charm 
