Page:Pleasant Memories.pdf/187

Their secret maze of melody to wind,
Snatching its sweetness for his winged strain
With careless hand.
                            The timid flowerets said,
"He came among us like a sleepless bee,
And all those pure and rarest essences,
Concocted by our union with the skies,
Which in our cups or zones we fain would hide,
He rifled for himself and bore away."

—The winds careering in their might replied,
"Upon our wings he rode and visited
The utmost stars. We could not shake him off.
Even on the fleecy clouds he laid his hand,
As on a courser's mane, and made them work
With all their countless hues his wondrous will."

—And then meek Avon raised a murmuring voice,
What time the Sabbath-chimes came pealing sweet
Through the umbrageous trees, and told how oft
Along those banks he wandered, pacing slow,
As if to read the depths.
                                   Ere I had closed
My questioning, the ready rain came down,
And every pearl-drop as it kissed the turf
Said,"We have been his teachers. When we fell
Pattering among the vine-leaves, he would list
Our lessons as a student, nor despise
Our simplest lore."