Max Gate, 1899.

THE CAGED THRUSH FREED AND HOME AGAIN (VILLANELLE)

“MEN know but little more than we, Who count us least of things terrene, How happy days are made to be!

“Of such strange tidings what think ye, O birds in brown that peck and preen? Men know but little more than we!

“When I was borne from yonder tree In bonds to them, I hoped to glean How happy days are made to be,

“And want and wailing turned to glee; Alas, despite their mighty mien Men know but little more than we!

“They cannot change the Frost’s decree, They cannot keep the skies serene; How happy days are made to be

“Eludes great Man’s sagacity No less than ours, O tribes in treen! Men know but little more than we How happy days are made to be.”

BIRDS AT WINTER NIGHTFALL (TRIOLET)

AROUND the house the flakes fly faster, And all the berries now are gone From holly and cotoneaster Around the house. The flakes fly!—faster Shutting indoors that crumb-outcaster We used to see upon the lawn Around the house. The flakes fly faster, And all the berries now are gone!