To pause and think, and then did clip the air

And dropped to earth to claim his guerdon there.

"Thank God!" I cried, "My dearest dream is true!"

X.

I was too happy, then, to leap and dance;

But I could ponder; I could gaze and gaze

From earth to sky and back to woodland ways.

The bird had thrill'd my heart, and cheer'd my glance,

For he had found to-day his nest-romance,

And lov'd a mate, and crown'd her with his praise.