On the cross-beam under the Old South bell,
The nest of a pigeon is builded well.

In summer and winter, that bird is there,
Out and in with the morning air.

2

I love to see him track the street
With his wary eye and active feet;
And I often watch him, as he springs,
Circling the steeple with easy wings,
Till across the dial his shade has passed,
And the belfry edge is gained at last.

3

"Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note,
And the trembling throb in its mottled throat;
There's a human look in its swelling breast,
And the gentle curve of its lowly crest;
And I often stop with the fear I feel,
He runs so close to the rapid wheel.
Whatever is rung on that noisy bell,
Chime of the hour, or funeral knell,
The dove in the belfry must hear it well.

4

When the tongue swings out to the midnight moon,
When the sexton cheerily rings for noon,

When the clock strikes clear at morning light,
When the child is waked with "nine at night,"
When the chimes play soft in the Sabbath air,
Filling the spirit with tones of prayer,
Whatever tale in the bell is heard,
He broods on his folded feet unstirred,
Or, rising half in his rounded nest,
He takes the time to smooth his breast;
Then, drops again, with filmed eyes,
And sleeps as the last vibration dies.

5

Sweet bird! I would that I could be
A hermit in the crowd, like thee!
With wings to fly to wood and glen,
Thy lot, like mine, is cast with men;
And, daily, with unwilling feet,
I tread, like thee, the crowded street;
But, unlike me, when day is o'er,
Thou canst dismiss the world, and soar;
Or, at a half-felt wish for rest,

Biographical and Historical: Nathaniel Parker Willis, 1806-186 was a native of Portland, Maine, and a graduate of Yale College. E was born one year earlier than Longfellow, and lived most of his li in New York City, being one of a small group of writers known "The Knickerbockers," who for many years made New York th literary center of the country. His father, the Rev. Nathaniel Willi established in Boston The Youth's Companion. "The Belfry Pigeon, is one of his best selections. "Old South" is the name of a churc in Boston, in which public meetings, were held at the time of th Revolutionary War. It is now used as a museum of historic co lections.

What four names does the poe

give to the sound of the bell Explain each.

What does the third stanza tel
you?

What does the fourth stanza ad
to the story?
How do the fifth and sixt
stanzas differ from the others

he poet

he bell

za tell

za add

sixth

thers

1

Merrily swinging on brier and weed,
Near to the nest of his little dame,
Over the mountain side or mead,

Robert of Lincoln is telling his name:
"Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Snug and safe is this nest of ours,
Hidden among the summer flowers,
Chee, chee, chee!"

2

Robert of Lincoln is gayly dressed,
Wearing a bright, black wedding coat;
White are his shoulders, and white his crest,
Hear him call in his merry note,
"Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

For Biography see page 247

Look what a nice new coat is mine;

Sure, there was never a bird so fine.
Chee, chee, chee!"

3

Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife,

Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings, Passing at home a patient life,

Broods in the grass while her husband sings: "Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Brood, kind creature; you need not fear

Thieves and robbers while I am here.

Chee, chee, chee!"

4

Modest and shy as a nun is she;
One weak chirp is her only note;
Braggart, and prince of braggarts is he,
Pouring boasts from his little throat,
"Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Never was I afraid of man,

Catch me, cowardly knaves, if you can.
Chee, chee, chee!".

5

Six white eggs on a bed of hay,

Flecked with purple, a pretty sight,

There, as the mother sits all day,

Robert is singing with all his might "Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Nice good wife that never goes out,
Keeping house while I frolic about.
Chee, chee, chee!"