IX. — THE BIRDS OF THE AIR .

Y E too, the free and fearless Birds of the air,
Were charged that hour on missionary wing,
The same bright lesson o'er the seas to bear,
Heaven-guided wanderers with the winds of spring!
Sing on, before the storm and after, sing!
A call us to your echoing woods away
From worldly cares; and bid our spirits bring
Faith to imbibe deep wisdom from your lay.
So may those blessed vernal strains renew
Childhood, a childhood yet more pure and true
E'en than the first, within th' awaken'd mind:
While sweetly, joyously, they tell of life
That knows no doubts, no questionings, no strife,
But hangs upon its God, unconsciously resign'd.