Birds’ Nests.
The lark it loves the yellow corn ;1
The jay, the beech’s top ;2
The rooks, the elms, whose leafy crowns3
Unceasing sway and lop.4
The robin in the nettle builds,5
And the sparrow in the hedge ;6
The eagle loves the sloping rock,7
And the granite slab and ledge.8
All other birds have chosen earth9
For home, both morn and even ;10
But the lark he chose the better part,11
And claimed his share of heaven.12
This bird who sings at the angels’ gate,13
Is yet not vain nor proud—14
All night upon the lowly earth,15
All day up in the cloud !16