When first we hear the shy-come nightingales,
They seem to mutter o’er their songs in fear,
And, climb we e’er so soft the spinney rails,
All stops as if no bird was anywhere.
The kindled bushes with the young leaves
Let curious eyes to search a long way in,
Until impatience cannot see or
The hidden music; gets but little
Upon the path - when up the songs begin,
Full loud a moment and then low again.
But when a day or two confirms her
Boldly she sings and loud for half the day;
And soon the village brings the woodman’s
Of having heard the new-come nightingale.
