* * * * *

Oh, the little birds sang east, and the little birds sang west--
_Toll slowly._
And I read this ancient Rhyme, in the churchyard, while the chime
Slowly tolled for one at rest.

II.

The abeles moved in the sun, and the river smooth did run--
_Toll slowly._
And the ancient Rhyme rang strange, with its passion and its change,
Here, where all done lay undone.

III.

And beneath a willow tree I a little grave did see--
_Toll slowly_--
Where was graved--HERE, UNDEFILED, LIETH MAUD, A THREE-YEAR CHILD,
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED FORTY-THREE.

IV.

Then O spirits, did I say, ye who rode so fast that day--
_Toll slowly._
Did star-wheels and angel wings with their holy winnowings
Keep beside you all the way?

V.

Though in passion ye would dash, with a blind and heavy crash--
_Toll slowly_--
Up against the thick-bossed shield of God's judgment in the field,--
Though your heart and brain were rash,--

VI.

Now, your will is all unwilled; now, your pulses are all stilled:
_Toll slowly._
Now, ye lie as meek and mild (whereso laid) as Maud the child
Whose small grave was lately filled.

VII.

Beating heart and burning brow, ye are very patient now--
_Toll slowly._
And the children might be bold to pluck the kingcups from your mould
Ere a month had let them grow.

VIII.

And you let the goldfinch sing in the alder near in spring--
_Toll slowly._
Let her build her nest and sit all the three weeks out on it,
Murmuring not at anything.

IX.

In your patience ye are strong, cold and heat ye take not wrong--
_Toll slowly._
When the trumpet of the angel blows eternity's evangel,
Time will seem to you not long.

X.

Oh, the little birds sang east, and the little birds sang west--
_Toll slowly._
And I said in underbreath,--All our life is mixed with death,
And who knoweth which is best?

XI.

Oh, the little birds sang eas