TO THE CAT-BIRD
Reading edition
TO THE CAT-BIRD
You, who would with wanton art Counterfeit another's part, And with noisy utterance claim Right to an ignoble name,-- Inharmonious!--why must you, To a better self untrue, Gifted with the charm of song, Do the generous gift such wrong? Delicate and downy throat, Shaped for pure, melodious note,-- Silvery wing of softest gray,-- Bright eyes glancing every way,-- Graceful outline,--motion free: Types of perfect harmony! Ah! you much mistake your duty, Mating discord thus with beauty,-- 'Mid these heavenly sunset gleams, Vexing the smooth air with screams,-- Burdening the dainty breeze With insane discordancies. I have heard you tell a tale Tender as the nightingale, Sweeter than the early thrush Pipes at day-dawn from the bush. Wake once more the liquid strain That you poured, like music-rain, When, last night, in the sweet weather, You and I were out together. Unto whom two notes are given, One of earth, and one of heaven, Were it not a shameful tale That the earth-note should prevail? For the sake of those who love us, For the sake of God above us, Each and all should do their best To make music for the rest. So will I no more reprove, Though the chiding be in love: Uttering harsh rebuke to you, That were inharmonious, too.