A recent convention of Nature's musicians
( Their entire resolutions the Owlet quotes )
Took “high southern ground,” and, from lofty positions,
All muffled in feathers and down, to their throats,
Resolved to expel, without any conditions,
The cuckoo-like fellow who stole their best notes.
With spirit the Song-sparrow opened the session;
“I'm with you,” whistled the Oriole, “I
Would like him subjected to public confession” —
“And fined!” the Vireo said with a sigh.
“Pshaw!” hissed the Wren, with ruffled aggression,
“Pluck him, I say, and then bid him fly!”
Answered the Brown Thrush, high in his palace,
“‘ Tis true I have taken your notes — less or more —
And mingled them well ( for I bear you no malice ),
Just as the wines some wizard of yore
Would mingle together, then pour from his chalice
Magic new wine never tasted before!”