226 A DISCONTENTED LEAF.
He thought it an uneventful life
Thus tied to a single tree ; He envied birds, going to and fro,
And fish, swimming merrily.
"O restless one !" said the patient Lord, " Once more I will grant thy will." So the severed leaf on a wild wind went Over meadow and vale and hill,
Flitting to and fro like a yellow bird, With a tinge of blood on its breast ;
But he grumbled sore at his busy life, And clamored for idle rest.
"O fitful leaf!" said the Forest Lord,
"Thou shalt know neither peace nor calm, Till I lay thee down in thy last repose In sound of the forest psalm.
" Seize him and bind him, ye Sprites of Air,
Pin him with snow-flakes down, Over the bed where the crocus sleeps, Under its coverlet brown.
" Thus he shall shelter the patient ones
Who wait as the good Lord wills, Who question not what His wisdom does Under shadow of seeming ills."