When the wild crabapple puts forth blossoms, Nature sermons presched, , Ill . twig it was rocking and swaying and swing-ing and tilting from excessive vivacity. Andthis did not suffice. Every few moments itwould launch into the air and describe circlesabout the tree, whirling, pirouetting, plunging,climbing, a mass of beautiful color in motion,and singing its very life away. And such music ! The gurgling of the chorusof blackbirds is sweet enough, or the weird toneof the mourning-dove that swells and fades likethe distant swell of the sea. But here was asong whose notes were as clear
When the wild crabapple puts forth blossoms, Nature sermons presched, , Ill . twig it was rocking and swaying and swing-ing and tilting from excessive vivacity. Andthis did not suffice. Every few moments itwould launch into the air and describe circlesabout the tree, whirling, pirouetting, plunging,climbing, a mass of beautiful color in motion,and singing its very life away. And such music ! The gurgling of the chorusof blackbirds is sweet enough, or the weird toneof the mourning-dove that swells and fades likethe distant swell of the sea. But here was asong whose notes were as clear as those of asilver bell, and certain and accurate as he leapedfrom one note to another and ran the scale; somusical as to be rivaled only by another gros-beak. And I stood with hat off, with memorybringing to mind other grosbeak friends whohad sung for me in the library in the midst of92 NATURE AND REDEMPTION winter, abiding proof of the coming of thespring-melodies, friends much loved, now lostawhile; and my heart was swelling with grati-tude to God. John was right. No man could. THE MUSIC OF THE PINES learn that song, no man could duplicate itssweetness with trumpet or whistle or stringedinstrument. God filled that bird full of songto overflowing, and Gods music from Godsinstrument was spilling out upon Gods worldto make Gods children happy. There was no93 NATURE AND REDEMPTION man in sight, no thought of man in mind; Godwas everywhere, and His praise was being sungin rapturous melody by one of His creatures. The pines are one of Natures sublimestchoruses. Wood-songs are as distinct as thevoices of men and women. The aspen and balmof Gilead and rough-voiced oak are as differentas flute and harp and horn. I listened to thismighty orchestra repeatedly during the monthof August. The players were legion, filling thevalley and flanking the adjoining hills: withjackets of green; with trunks clad with garmentsof purplish-gray, standing so tall and stalwart,knee-deep in feathery he
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