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42
THE BIRDS' FIRST HALTING-PLACE.
“Many of the migratory birds make the Devil's Dyke, near Brighton
(containing a deep combe, in the Parish of Poynings) their first halt on
their arrival from the Continent: but they do not stay long there; they are
soon off and away. This locality is warm for them, and probably produces
suitable food.”
—Brighton Paper.
Escaped from Ocean's highway rough and loud,
Our travelled songsters light in this green vale,
The whitethroat, blackcap, redstart, nightingale—
Like showers of music, cloud succeeding cloud.
In this soft cradle sinks the wearied crowd,
With panting breasts, and plumes that droop and fail;
But soon, their ranks reformed, away they sail,
To sweep the land in feathered phalanx proud.
Sweet favoured nook in which to fold your wing,
Ere, like new Conquerors, ye disperse all round
To seize the groves, and songs triumphant sing:
Well have ye chosen your first camping ground,
For One dwells near, a welcome warm to bring
And with your fame bid hill and dale resound.
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