112 
BIRD LIFE IN WASHINGTON 
with a wild cry of terror she sprang from 
her bed and rushed to the sea, just in time 
to meet her husband’s body as it floated 
to shore. In pity, the gods united Hal¬ 
cyon and her husband again, but changed 
them to birds. 
Now, because Halcyon’s father is god 
of the winds, during the brooding season 
the winds and waves are calm. We then 
have our “Halcyon days.” Christian 
writers still weave the myth into song 
and story. The following is from Milton’s 
Hymn to the Nativity: 
Peaceful was the night 
When the Prince of light 
His reign of Peace upon this earth began 
The winds with wonder whist, 
Smoothly the waters kissed, 
Whispering new joys to the wild ocean; 
Which now hath quite forgot to rave 
While birds of calm sit brooding on a 
charmed wave. 
