TOM PA even that. Fly away, and if in those southern regions t hou sh ouldst chance to meet those who have had to leave this their fatherland, tell them that we are decaying, diminishing, faliing to pieces like an unbound sheaf. " In another allegory Tompa makes a hird speak to her young ones, thus symbolising the country's appeal to her poets. THE BIRD TO ITS BROOD.* How long, ye birds, on this sere bough Will ye sit mute, as though in tears 1 Not quite forgotten yet are now The songs I taught ye, surely, dears ,· But if for aye are vanquished quite Your farmer cheer, your song so gay, A sad and wistful tune recite- Oh, children, sing to me, I pray l A storm has raged ,· our rocks apart A re rent ,· glad shade you cannot find ,· A nd are ye mute, about to start And leave your mother sad behind 1 In otl1er climes new songs are heard, Wilere none would understand your lay, Though empty is your home and bared Yet, children, sing to me, I pray l 111 memory of tllis hallowed bower, Shady and green, call fortil a strain, And greet the time wl"n soon it1 flower Tilese barren fields sliali bloom agaill ,· So, at your song, anew shall life Over this plain, with ease, make way, Sweetening t/1e day witll sorrow rife,- 011, cllildren, sing to me, I pray l liere ill the tree is the old uest Where yot' were cllerished loving/y ; Return to it, and Illerein rest, 0 LoEw's ":Magyar Poet.ry."
