When he heard the call of Gertie?

And who this “Gertie,” who this “Peter”

Teaching you such silk-toned meter?

Mocking-birds have thuswise sang

Since Time’s song of joy upsprang,

And to each your lyric brought

Something that his spirit sought;

Some perfect which the heart still dreams,

Though Sorrow’s sands fill all the streams,

No waters in their olden place,