 | In Russet & Silver |  |
79
THE FIELDFARE'S NEST
To E. B.
Though all should smile denying, I believe
These elms have borne the Fieldfare's fabulous nest.
Why else in England should he build and rest,
Quitting the flock in which his brethren leave
These elms have borne the Fieldfare's fabulous nest.
Why else in England should he build and rest,
Quitting the flock in which his brethren leave
Our shores forsaken on an April eve,
Save, on these lawns, to preen a speckled breast,
And hear your feathery friends proclaim you blest?
Where else so safe a bower could fieldfare weave?
Save, on these lawns, to preen a speckled breast,
And hear your feathery friends proclaim you blest?
Where else so safe a bower could fieldfare weave?
Ah! might he borrow notes as sweet as those
With which the Mavis pays you all day long
(Our delicate Mavis with her slighted song),
You would not doubt the enchanted Fieldfare knows
This magic garden's secret of repose,
And reads her heart to whom these glades belong.
With which the Mavis pays you all day long
(Our delicate Mavis with her slighted song),
80
This magic garden's secret of repose,
And reads her heart to whom these glades belong.
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