But most of all subdued, or fearful least
Of man's society, with ruddy breast
Against the window beats, sagacious bird,
To robin. At the door, half open left
Or by the gale unlatched, or narrow pass
Of air-admitting casement, or (to him
Sufficient port) the splintered aperture
Of attic pane demolished, with a flirt
Enters the fledged intruder. He has left
His haunt divine, the woodhouse and the barn,
A feathery mendicant made bold by want,
And ev'ry little action asks aloud
Alms the most indigent might well afford,
A drop of water and a crumb of bread.
Timid and sleek upon the floor he hops,
His ev'ry feather clutched, all ear, all eye,
And, springing swift at the first sound he hears,
Thumps for dismission on the healthy pane.
Sweet beggar, no. Impenetrable glass
Has closed around thee its transparent cage,
Escape denying. Satisfy thy need,
And, having fed, be free. Beneath my chair
Sit budge, a feathery bunch; upon its staves
Polish thy clatt'ring beak; with head reversed
Dress ev'ry plume that decks thy plain surtout,
And either pinion of thy slender wing;
With bridled bill thy ruddy bosom smooth,
And, all performed, delight me, if thou wilt,
With a faint sample of contented song,
Concise and sweet. Then flit around the room,
Cheerful though silent, seizing with an air
Each crumb diminutive which the last meal
Dropt unperceived, and the religious broom
Unconscious left upon the woven floor,
Or which the hand of charity lets fall
Not grudging. Banquet here, and sleep tonight,
And, when thy morning meal is finished, fly;
Nothing unwelcome if thou dare return,
And daily seek the hospitable feast,
Strewed to invite thee on the casement ledge.