“On slumbrous wings the vulture held his flight,

The dove scarce heard its sighing mate’s complaint;

And like a star, slow drowning in the light,

The village church vane seemed to pale and faint.

*******

“Alone from out the stubble piped the quail,

And croaked the crow through all the dreary gloom;

Alone the pheasant, drumming in the vale,

Made echo to the distant cottage loom.”

*****