HIGH in the apple bough jauntily swinging, Hid by the branches in bridal array, Straight from his heart, all his life in his singing, Chants a wee bird, lures his mate with his lay.
"Sweet, sweet, my sweet, Hear I entreat!
Say, love, together, this bright sunny weather, Gold of the west we shall weave in a nest!
Have no fear! Trust me, dear!
Sunshine of May that will gild every day Pledge I to thee if thou'lt harken to me."Lo! in the light thro' the gay branches streaming, Quivering in answer to all the bird sings, Warm on a breath, leaps a soul with love gleaming, Speeds to its mate on its glittering wings.
"Dear, on thy breast Earth yields its best!
Loud in the singing I heard thy call ringing, Pleading and strong in the voice of the song, Whisper low,-Yes, just so!-Softly revealing the depth of thy feeling, Words in whose fire glow thy love and desire."MARY GERTRUDE HAMILTON
