Paul Hamilton Hayne (Пол Гамильтон Хейн)
A New Version of Why the Robin’s Breast Is Red
KNOW you why the robin's breast Gleameth of a dusky red, Like the lustre mid the stars Of the potent planet Mars? 'Tis--a monkish myth has said-- Owing to his cordial heart; For, long since, he took the part Of those hapless children, sent Hadean-ward for punishment; And, to quench the fierce desire, Bred in them by ruthless fire, Brought on tiny bill and wing, Water from some earthly spring, Which in misty droplets fell O'er their dwelling of unrest, While the sufferer's faces grew Softer 'neath the healing dew! But, too far within that hell Venturing, some malicious fiend, A small devil hardly weaned, Seized bold Robin in his claw, Striving thro' the flames to draw His poor body, until fled Sight of eyes and sense of head, Scorched he lay and almost dead! Then, a child whose tongue and brow, Robin's help had cooled but now, Clutched the baby-fiend in ire, And in gulfs of his own fire Soused the vile misshapen elf. Fluttering upwards, scarce himself, After all the pain and fear Of his horrid sojourn there In that realm of flame and smoke, Lo! earth's happy sunlight broke On the bird's dazed view at last; But the ordeal he had passed Left a flame-spot widely spread Where the wind-blown feathers part Just above his loyal heart. So the robin's breast is red!
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