The Lark and the Rook

I've "GOODNIGHT bathed " Themydaylight wngsfades in theRook ; itsun's willsaid last soonaraylittle ; lark I've sung my hymn to the parting day; So now I haste to my quiet nook Inyondewy meadow-good-night, Sir Rook!" "Good-night, poor Lark," said his titled friend With ahaughty toss and adistant bend; "I also go to my rest profound, But not to sleep on the cold, damp ground. The fittest place for abird like me Is the topmost bough of yon tall pine tree. "I opened my eyes at peep of day And saw you taking your upward way, Dreaming your fond romantic dreams, An ugly speck in the sun's bright beams; Soaring too high to be seen or heard; And I said to myself, 'What afoolish bird!' THE OWL "I trod the park with a princely air, I filled my crop with the richest fare; Icawed all day 'mid alordly crew, And I made more noise in the world than you! The sun shone forth on my ebon wing; I looked and wondered-good-night, poor thing!" "Good night, once more," said the lark's sweet voice. "I see no cause to repent my choice ; You build your nest in the lofty pine, But is your slumber more sweet than mine? You make more noise in the world than I, But whose is the sweeter minstrelsy?"