WHEREFORE WINGS?

Heigho, sparrow! Reckless of the rain;

When chill the cheerless wind grows,

Chirping might and main!

Is it naught, then, when the rose

Blows again?

Beating, sleeting on your draggled coat!

Surely,’ tis enough to drown

Any happy note

Nestling in that downy brown

Little throat.

Ah me, sparrow! Had I but your power,

Think you in the freezing sleet

I would waste an hour?

— I’ d sing my sweetest to a sweet

Orange flower!