The Angler's Reveille

What time the rose of dawn is laid across the lips of night,

And all the drowsy little stars have fallen asleep in light;

'Tis then a wandering mind awakens, and runs from tree to tree,

And borrows words from all the birds to sound the reveille.

This is the carol the Robin throws

Over the edge of the valley;

Listen how boldly it flows,

Sally on sally:

Tirra lirra,

Down the river,

Laughing water

All a-quiver.

Day is near,

Clear, clear.

Fish are breaking.

Tup, tup, tup!

Do you hear?

All clear—

Wake up!

The phantom flood of dreams has ebbed and vanished with the dark,

And like a dove the heart forsakes the prison of the ark;

Now forth she fares through friendly woods and diamond-fields of dew,

While every voice cries out "Rejoice!" as if the world were new.

This is the ballad the Bluebird sings,

Unto his mate replying,

Shaking the tune from his wings

While he is flying:

Surely, surely, surely,

Life is dear

Even here.

Blue above,

You to love,

Purely, purely, purely.

There's wild azalea on the hill, and roses down dell,

And just one spray of lilac still abloom beside the well;

The columbine adorns the rocks, the laurel buds grow pink,

Along the stream white arums gleam, and violets bend to drink.

This is the song of the Yellowthroat,

Fluttering gaily beside you;

Hear how each voluble note

Offers to guide you:

Which way, sir?

I say, sir,

Let me teach you,

I beseech you!

Are you wishing

Jolly fishing?

This way, sir!

I'll teach you.

Then come, my friend, forget your foes, and leave your fears behind,

And wander forth to try your luck, with cheerful, quiet mind;

For be your fortune great or small, you'll take what God may give,

And all the day your heart shall say, " 'Tis luck enough to live."

This is the song the Brown Thrush flings

Out of his thicket of roses;

Hark how it warbles and rings,

Mark how it closes:

Luck, luck,

What luck?

Good enough for me!

I'm alive, you see.

Sun shining,

No repining;

Never borrow

Idle sorrow;

Drop it!

Cover it up!

Hold your cup!

Joy will fill it,

Don't spill it,

Steady, be ready,

Good luck!