Was he speaking to the bird, or was it merely that the sound of his own voice had grown friendly to him during these silent years? He went on.
"How if I waited still a little longer, and took a little pleasure before I go?
"But as in wailing
There's naught availing,
And death unfailing
Will strike the blow,
Then for that reason,
And for a season,
Let us be merry
Before we go!"