And plucks, himself, the tender grass140

Still sparkling with the frosty rime.

The young bull sports among the fields

At liberty; the dams refill

Their empty udders; sportive kids

Leap lightly o'er the tender grass145

In aimless course. On the topmost branch

The Thracian Philomela sings

Her strident song, and near her nest

Of chattering young she spreads her wings