ANTHOLOGY OF MASSACHUSETTS POETS (31)

    HIGH in the apple bough¹ jauntily² swinging, Hid by the branches in bridal array, Straight from his heart, all his life in his singing, Chants a wee bird, lures³ his mate with his lay. "Sweet, sweet, my sweet, Hear I entreat⁴！ Say, love, together, this bright sunny weather, Gold of the west we shall weave in a nest！ Have no fear！ Trust me, dear！ Sunshine of May that will gild⁵ every day Pledge I to thee if thou'lt harken to me."

    Lo！ in the light thro' the gay branches streaming, Quivering in answer to all the bird sings, Warm on a breath, leaps a soul with love gleaming, Speeds to its mate on its glittering wings. "Dear, on thy breast Earth yields its best！ Loud in the singing I heard thy call ringing, Pleading and strong in the voice of the song, Whisper low,-Yes, just so！- Softly revealing the depth of thy feeling, Words in whose fire glow thy love and desire."