To the Message Bird

Bird of beauty, whose bright plumageSparkles with a thousand dyes,Soft thy note, and gay thy carol,Tho' stern winter rules the skies.

First I knew thee by the sun-lightOf the summer's closing day—Idly by the streamlet wand'ring,Listening to thy vocal lay.

Joyfully I've bailed thy coming,By the prairie's spreading plain,Or where southern roses blossom,Charmed by thy magic strain.

Com'st thou to me in the silenceOf my snow-clad home to cheer,Dost thou bear a message to meFrom the friend beloved and dear?

Welcome—for a leaf, sweet wand'rer,Thou hast plucked and borne, to meBringing many a thought of gladness'Mid a dream of melody.