THE LINNET.
What is the happiest morning song?
The Linnet's. He warbles, blithe and free,
In the sunlit top of the old elm-tree,
Joyous and fresh, and hopeful and strong.
The trees are not high enough, little bird;
You mount and wheel, and eddy and soar,
And with every turn yet more and more
Your wonderful, ravishing music is heard.
A crimson speck in the bright blue sky,
Do you search for the secret of heaven's deep glow?
Is not heaven within, when you carol so?
Then why, dear bird, must you soar so high?
He answers nothing, but soars and sings;
He heeds no doubtful question like this.
He only bubbles over with bliss,
And sings, and mounts on winning wings.
Harriet E. Paine: Bird Songs of New England.