The Brook And The Bird

I listened to a summer brook That rippled past my shady seat; Now far, now near, now vague, now clear, The music of its liquid feet.

Few tones the slender rillet has has-- That few how sweet, how soothing sweet! A live delight, by day, by night, The music of its liquid feet!

While there I mused, a songbird lit And swung above my shady seat: He heard the brook, and straightway took The music of its liquid feet!

A bird's bright glance on me he bent,-- A bird's glance, fearless yet discreet; As who might say, "This roundelay Of liquid joy I can repeat!"

The mimic carol done, once more He needs must try its measures sweet;-- Again, again, that rippling strain My songbird did repeat, repeat!

Since then I've learned that human breasts To few and simple measures beat; O blessed bird, my heart-warm word I, too, repeat, repeat, repeat!