And, to [roll the deep melodious drum],
Lo! the bull-frogs come.
Then the splendid chorus! Who shall sing
Of so fine a thing?
Who the names of the performers call
Truly, one and all?
NOTES AND QUESTIONS
For Biography, [see page 48].
Discussion. 1. What instruments compose the birds’ orchestra? 2. Why does the poet say the jay and crow are assigned to the cymbals? 3. Explain: “fire-winged” blackbirds. 4. What leads you to think that the author knew those birds intimately? 5. Do you think the chorus would be pleasing? 6. What assignments do you think are particularly apt?
Phrases