Jones Very (1813–1880)

THOU need’st not flutter from thy half-built nest,

Whene’er thou hear’st man’s hurrying feet go by,

Fearing his eye for harm may on thee rest,

Or he thy young unfinished cottage spy;

All will not heed thee on that swinging bough,

Nor care that round thy shelter spring the leaves,

Nor watch thee on the pool’s wet margin now,

For clay to plaster straws thy cunning weaves;

All will not hear thy sweet outpouring joy,

That with morn’s stillness blends the voice of song;

For over-anxious cares their souls employ,

That else upon thy music borne along,

And the light wings of heart-ascending prayer,

Had learned that Heaven is pleased thy simple joys to share.