Where the cunning rail-bird yearly breeds,

And raises her brood with little fear.

On the banks of streams to lie,

And watch the gambols of the fish,

While the pond-turtles lazily bask near by,

In indolent freedom from care or wish.

Thus with Nature to commune,

And to note her creatures gay;

While mind and heart are in attune,

With creation's work from day to day.