There, like a bird, it sits and sings,

Then whets[85] and claps its silver wings,

And, till prepared for longer flight,

Waves in its plumes the various light....

Such was the happy Garden-state

While man there walked without a mate:

After a place so pure and sweet,

What other help could yet be meet!

But 'twas beyond a mortal's share

To wander solitary there: