Catkins

Now sallow catkins once all downy white 
Turn like the sunshine into golden light 
The rocking clown leans oer the spinny rail 
In admiration at the sunny sight

The while the Blackcap doth his ears assail 
With such a rich & such an early song 
He stops his own & thinks the nightingale 
Hath of her monthly reckoning counted wrong 
“Sweet jug jug jug” comes loud upon his ear 
Those sounds that unto may by right belong 
Yet on the awthorn scarce a leaf appears 
How can it be—spell struck the wondering boy 
Listens again—again the sound he hears 
& mocks it in his song for very joy

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