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The Birds begun at Four o'clock
Their period for Dawn
A Music numerous as space
But neighboring as Noon—

I could not count their Force
Their Voices did expend
As Brook by Brook bestows itself
To multiply the Pond.

Their Witnesses were not—
Except occasional man—
In homely industry arrayed—
To overtake the Morn—

Nor was it for applause—
That I could ascertain—
But independent Ecstasy
Of Deity and Men—

By Six, the Flood had done—
No Tumult there had been
Of Dressing, or Departure
And yet the Band was gone—

The Sun engrossed the East—
The Day controlled the World
The Miracle that introduced
Forgotten, as fulfilled.