One Elfrida
had called "A Street Minstrel." Seeing him unresponsive,
Golightly read it gracefully aloud.
"One late November afternoon
I sudden heard a gentle rune.
"I could not see whence came the song,
But, tranced, stopped and listened long;
"And that drear month gave place to May,
And all the city slipped away.
"The coal-carts ceased their din,--instead
I heard a bluebird overhead;
"The pavements, black with dismal rain,
Grew greenly to a country lane.
"Plainly as I see you, my friend,
I saw the lilacs sway and bend,
"A blossoming apple-orchard where
The chimneys, fret the foggy air,
"And wide mown fields of clover sweet
Sent up their fragrance at my feet,
"And once again dear Phyllis sat
The thorn beneath, and trimmed her hat.
* * * * * * * *
"Long looked I for my wizard bard--
I found him on the boulevard.
"And now my urban hearth he cheers,
Singing all day of sylvan years,
"Right thankful for the warmer spot--
A cricket, by July forgot!"
Ticke looked inquiringly at Rattray when he had finished.
Elfrida turned away her head, and tapped the floor
impatiently with her foot.
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