The song is halting and poor and brief,

And the fluttering wings scarce stir a leaf;

But the note is a prelude to sweeter things,

And the busy bill and the flutter slight

Are proving the wings for a bolder flight!

THE DESERTED PLANTATION

Oh, de grubbin'-hoe 's a-rustin' in de co'nah,

An' de plow 's a-tumblin' down in de fiel',

While de whippo'will 's a-wailin' lak a mou'nah

When his stubbo'n hea't is tryin' ha'd to yiel'.