INLOVINGTRIBUTE
　　TOTHEMEMORYOFMYFATHER
　　MARKSTRATTON
　　"ForhimeveryworkofGodmanifestedanewandheretoforeunappreciatedloveliness。"
　　Chapter1
　　"Goodcheer!Goodcheer!"exultedtheCardinalHedartedthroughtheorangeorchardsearchingforslugsforhisbreakfast，andbetweenwhilesherockedonthebranchesandrangoverhismessageofencouragementtomen。ThesongoftheCardinalwasoverflowingwithjoy，forthiswashisholiday，hisplaytime。Thesouthernworldwasfilledwithbrilliantsunshine，gaudyflowers，anabundanceoffruit，myriadsofinsects，andneverathingtodoexcepttobathe，feast，andbehappy。Nowonderhissongwasaprophecyofgoodcheerforthefuture，forhappinessmadeupthewholeofhispast。
　　TheCardinalwasonlyayearling，yethiscrestflaredhigh，hisbeardwascrispandblack，andhewasaveryprodigyinsizeandcolouring。Fathersofhisfamilythathadaccomplishedmanymigrationsappearedsmallbesidehim，andcoatsthathadbeenshedseasonafterseasonseemeddullcomparedwithhis。Itwasasifapulsingheartofflamepassedbywhenhecamewingingthroughtheorchard。
　　LastseasontheCardinalhadpippedhisshell，awaytothenorth，inthatparadiseofthebirds，theLimberlost。Therethousandsofacresofblackmarsh—muckstretchundersummers’sunandwinters’snows。Therearedarksomepoolsofmurkywater，bitsofswale，andhighmorass。Giantsoftheforestreachskyward，or，coatedwithvelvetslime，liedecayinginsun—fleckedpools，whiletheunderbrushisalmostimpenetrable。
　　Theswampresemblesabigdining—tableforthebirds。Wildgrape—vinesclambertothetopsofthehighesttrees，spreadingumbrella—wiseoverthebranches，andtheirfestoonedfloatingtrailerswaveassilkenfringeintheplayofthewind。Thebirdslollintheshade，peelbark，gatherdriedcurlersfornestmaterial，andfeastonthepungentfruit。Theychatterinswarmsoverthewild—cherrytrees，andoverloadtheircropswithredhaws，wildplums，papaws，blackberriesandmandrake。Thealdersaroundtheedgedrawflocksinsearchofberries，andthemarshgrassesandweedsareweightedwithseedhunters。Themuckisalivewithworms；andthewholeswampablazewithflowers，whosecoloursandperfumesattractmyriadsofinsectsandbutterflies。
　　Wildcreepersflaunttheirredandgoldfromthetreetops，andthebumblebeesandhumming—birdsmakecommoncauseinriflingthehoney—ladentrumpets。Theairaroundthewild—plumandredhawtreesisvibrantwiththebeatingwingsofmillionsofwildbees，andthebee—birdsfeasttogluttony。Thefetidodoursoftheswampdrawinsectsinswarms，andfly—catcherstumbleandtwistinairinpursuitofthem。
　　Everyhollowtreehomesitscolonyofbats。Snakessunonthebushes。Thewaterfolkleavetrailsofshiningripplesintheirwakeastheycrossthelagoons。Turtleswaddleclumsilyfromthelogs。Frogstakegracefulleapsfrompooltopool。Everythingnativetothatsectionofthecountry—underground，creeping，ora—wing——canbefoundintheLimberlost；butaboveallthebirds。
　　Daintygreenwarblersnestinitstree—tops，andred—eyedvireoschoosealocationbelow。Itisthehomeofbell—birds，finches，andthrushes。Thereareflocksofblackbirds，grackles，andcrows。Jaysandcatbirdsquarrelconstantly，andmarsh—wrenskeepupnever—endingchatter。Oriolesswingtheirpendentpursesfromthebranches，andwiththetanagerspicniconmulberriesandinsects。Intheevening，night—hawksdartonsilentwing；
　　whippoorwillssetupaplaintivecrythattheycontinuefarintothenight；andowlsrevelinmoonlightandrichhunting。Atdawn，robinswaketheechoesofeachnewdaywiththeadmonition，"Cheerup!Cheerup!"andalittlelaterbigblackvulturesgowheelingthroughcloudlandorhangthere，likefrozensplashes，searchingtheLimberlostandthesurroundingcountryforfood。
　　Theboomofthebitternresoundsallday，andaboveittheraspingscreamoftheblueheron，ashestrikesterrortotheheartsoffrogdom；whiletheoccasionalcriesofalostloon，strayedfromitsflockinnorthernmigration，filltheswampwithsoundsofwailing。
　　Flashingthroughthetree—topsoftheLimberlosttherearebirdswhosecolourismorebrilliantthanthatofthegaudiestflowerliftingitsfacetolightandair。Theliliesofthemirearenotsowhiteasthewhiteheronsthatfishamongthem。Theripestsprayofgoldenrodisnotsohighlycolouredastheburnishedgoldonthebreastoftheoriolethatrocksonit。Thejaysarebluerthanthecalamusbedtheywrangleabovewiththroatychatter。Thefinchesareafinerpurplethantheironwort。ForeveryclumpoffoxfireflamingintheLimberlost，thereisacardinalglowingredderonabushaboveit。Thesemaynotbemorenumerousthanotherbirds，buttheirbrilliantcolouringandthefearlessdispositionmakethemseemso。
　　TheCardinalwashatchedinathicketofsweetbrierandblackberry。Hisfatherwasatougholdwidowerofmanyexperiencesandvariabletemper。Hewasthebiggest，mostaggressiveredbirdintheLimberlost，andeasilyreignedkingofhiskind。Catbirds，king—birds，andshrikesgavehimawideberth，andnoteventheever—quarrelsomejayspluckedupenoughcouragetoantagonizehim。Afewdaysafterhislatestbereavement，hesawafine，plumpyoungfemale；andshesofilledhiseyethathegavehernorestuntilshepermittedhiscaresses，andcarriedthefirsttwigtothewildrose。ShewasveryproudtomatewiththekingoftheLimberlost；andifdeepinherheartshefelttransientfearsofherlordlymaster，shegavenosign，forshewasabirdofgoodlyproportionandfinefeatherherself。
　　Shechoseherlocationwiththeeyeofanartist，andthejudgmentofanestbuilderofmoreexperience。Itwouldbedifficultforsnakesandsquirrelstopenetratethatbrierythicket。Thewhiteberryblossomsscarcelyhadceasedtoattractaswarmofinsectsbeforethesweetsoftherosesrecalledthem；
　　bythetimetheyhadfaded，lusciousbigberriesripenedwithinreachanddrewfoodhunters。Shebuiltwithfarmorethanordinarycare。Itwasabeautifulnest，notnearlysocarelesslymadeasthoseofherkindredallthroughtheswamp。Therewasadistinctattemptatacupshape，anditreallywasneatlylinedwithdriedbladesofsweetmarshgrass。Butitwasinthelayingofherfirsteggthatthequeencardinalforeverdistinguishedherself。Shewasafinehealthybird，fullofloveandhappinessoverherfirstventureinnest—building，andshesofarsurpassedherselfonthatoccasionshehaddifficultyinconvincinganyonethatshewasresponsiblefortheresult。
　　Indeed，shewascompelledtoliftbeakandwingagainsthermateindefenseofthisegg，foritwassounusuallylargethathecouldnotbepersuadedshortofforcethatsomesneakofthefeatheredtribehadnotslippedinanddepositeditinherabsence。Thekingfeltsuretherewassomethingwrongwiththeegg，andwantedtorollitfromthenest；butthequeenknewherown，andstoutlybattledforitsprotection。Shefurtherincreasedtheirprospectsbylayingthreeothers。Afterthatthekingmadeuphismindthatshewasamostremarkablebird，andwentawaypleasure—seeking；butthequeensettledtobrooding，apictureofjoyousfaithandcontentment。
　　Throughallthelongdays，whentheheatbecameintense，andthekingwasnonetoothoughtfulofherappetiteorcomfort，shenestledthosefoureggsagainstherbreastandpatientlywaited。
　　Thebigeggwashertreasure。Shegaveitconstantcare。Manytimesinadaysheturnedit；andalwaysagainstherbreasttherewastheindividualpressurethatdistinguisheditfromtheothers。Itwasthefirsttohatch，ofcourse，andthequeenfeltthatshehadenoughifalltheothersfailedher；forthiseggpippedwitharesoundingpip，andbeforethesilkydownwasreallydryonthebigterracottabody，theyoungCardinalaroseandlustilydemandedfood。
　　Thekingcametoseehimandatonceacknowledgedsubjugation。
　　Hewasthefatherofmanypromisingcardinals，yetheneverhadseenonelikethis。HesettheLimberlostechoesrollingwithhisjubilantrejoicing。Heunceasinglyhuntedfortheripestberriesandseed。Hestuffedthatbabyfrommorninguntilnight，andnevercamewithfoodthathedidnotfindhimstandinga—toptheotherscallingformore。Thequeenwasjustasproudofhimandquiteasfoolishinheridolatry，butshekepttallyandgavetheremaindereveryotherworminturn。Theywereunusuallyfinebabies，butwhatchancehasmerelyafinebabyinafamilythatpossessesaprodigy？TheCardinalwasaslargeasanytwooftheothernestlings，andsoredtheverydownonhimseemedtingedwithcrimson；hisskinandevenhisfeetwerered。
　　Hewasthefirsttoclimbtotheedgeofthenestandthefirsttohoponalimb。Hesurprisedhisparentsbyfindingaslug，andwingedhisfirstflighttosuchadistancethathisadoringmotheralmostwentintospasmslesthisstrengthmightfail，andhewouldfallintotheswampandbecomethevictimofahungryoldturtle。Hereturnedsafely，however；andthekingwassopleasedhehuntedhimanunusuallyripeberry，andperchingbeforehim，gavehimhisfirstlanguagelesson。Ofcourse，theCardinalknewhowtocry"Pee"and"Chee"whenhebursthisshell；butthekingtaughthimtochipwithaccuracyandexpression，andhelearnedthatverydaythatmalebirdsofthecardinalfamilyalwayscall"Chip，"andthefemales"Chook。"Infact，helearnedsorapidlyandwasgenerallysoobservant，thatbeforethekingthoughtitwisetogivethenextlesson，hefoundhimonalimb，hisbeakclosed，histhroatswelling，practisinghisownrenderingofthetribalcalls，"Wheat!Wheat!Wheat!"
　　"Here!Here!Here!"and"Cheer!Cheer!Cheer!"Thissodelightedthekingthathewhistledthemoverandoverandhelpedtheyoungsterallhecould。
　　Hewassoproudofhimthatthissamenighthegavehimhisfirstlessonintuckinghisheadproperlyandgoingtosleepalone。Inafewmoredays，whenhewassureofhiswingstrength，hegavehiminstructionsinflying。Hetaughthimhowtospreadhiswingsandslowlysailfromtreetotree；howtoflyinshortbrokencurves，toavoidtheaimofahunter；howtoturnabruptlyinairandmakeaquickdashafterabugoranenemy。Hetaughthimtheproperangleatwhichtobreastastiffwind，andthathealwaysshouldmeetastormheadfirst，sothatthewaterwouldrunastheplumagelay。
　　Hisfirstbathinglessonwasapronouncedsuccess。TheCardinalenjoyedwaterlikeaduck。Hebathed，splashed，andrompeduntilhismotherwasalmostcrazyforfearhewouldattractawatersnakeorturtle；buttheelementoffearwasnotapartofhisdisposition。Helearnedtodry，dress，andplumehisfeathers，andshowedsuchremarkableprideinkeepinghimselfimmaculate，thatalthoughonlyayoungster，hewasalreadyabirdofsuchgreatpromise，thatmanyofthefeatheredinhabitantsoftheLimberlostcametopayhimacall。
　　Next，thekingtookhimonalongtriparoundtheswamp，andtaughthimtoselecttheproperplacestohuntforworms；howtosearchunderleavesforplant—liceandslugsformeat；whichberriesweregoodandsafe，andthekindofweedsthatborethemostandbestseeds。Heshowedhimhowtofindtinypebblestogrindhisfood，andhowtosharpenandpolishhisbeak。
　　Thenhetookuptherealmusiclessons，andtaughthimhowtowhistleandhowtowarbleandtrill。"GoodCheer!GoodCheer!"
　　intonedtheking。"CooCher!CooCher!"imitatedtheCardinal。
　　Thesesongswereonlystudiedrepetitions，buttherewasadepthandvolumeinhisvoicethatgavepromiseoffuturegreatness，whenageshouldhavedevelopedhim，andexperienceawakenedhisemotions。Hewasanexcellentmusicianforayoungster。
　　Hesoondidsowellincaringforhimself，infindingfoodandinflight，andgrewsobigandindependent，thathemadenumerousexcursionsalonethroughtheLimberlost；andsoimpressivewerehisproportions，andsoaggressivehismanner，thathesufferednomolestation。Infact，thereignofthekingpromisedtoendspeedily；butifhefearedithemadenosign，andhisprideinhiswonderfuloffspringwasalwaysmanifest。AftertheCardinalhadexploredtheswampthoroughly，alongingforawiderrangegrewuponhim；anddayafterdayhelingeredaroundtheborders，lookingacrossthewidecultivatedfields，almostachingtotesthiswingsinonelong，high，wildstretchofflight。
　　Adaycamewhentheheatofthelatesummersetthemarshsteaming，andtheCardinal，flyingclosetotheborders，caughtthebreezefromtheupland；andthevisionofbroadfieldsstretchingtowardthenorthsoenticedhimthathespreadhiswings，andfollowingthelineoftreesandfencesasmuchaspossible，hemadehisfirstjourneyfromhome。Thatdaywassodelightfulitdecidedhisfortunes。Itwouldseemthattheswamp，soappreciatedbyhiskindred，shouldhavebeensufficientfortheCardinal，butitwasnot。Witheverymilehewingedhisflight，cameagreatersenseofpowerandstrength，andakeenerloveforthebroadsweepoffieldandforest。Hisheartboundedwiththezestofrockingonthewind，racingthroughthesunshine，andsailingovertheendlesspanoramaofwavingcornfields，andwoodlands。
　　TheheatandclosenessoftheLimberlostseemedaprisonwellescaped，asonandonheflewinstraightuntiringflight。
　　Crossingafieldofhalf—ripenedcornthatslopedtotheriver，theCardinalsawmanybirdsfeedingthere，sohealightedonatalltreetowatchthem。Soonhedecidedthathewouldliketotrythisnewfood。Hefoundaplacewhereacrowhadleftanearnicelylaidopen，andclingingtothehusk，ashesawtheothersdo，hestretchedtohisfullheightanddrovehisstrongsharpbeakintothecreamygrain。Afterthestiflingswamphunting，afterthelongexcitingflight，torockonthisswayingcornanddrinktherichmilkofthegrain，wastotheCardinalhisfirsttasteofnectarandambrosia。Heliftedhisheadwhenhecametothegoldenkernel，andchippingitintinyspecks，hetastedandapprovedwithallthedelightofanepicureinadeliciousnewdish。
　　Perhapstherewereothertreatsinthenextfield。Hedecidedtoflyevenfarther。ButhehadgoneonlyashortdistancewhenhechangedhiscourseandturnedtotheSouth，forbelowhimwasalong，shining，creepingthing，fringedwithwillows，whiletoweringabovethemweregiantsycamore，maple，tulip，andelmtreesthatcaughtandrockedwiththewind；andtheCardinaldidnotknowwhatitwas。Filledwithwonderhedroppedlowerandlower。Birdswereeverywhere，manyflyingoveranddippingintoit；butitsclearcreepingsilverwasamysterytotheCardinal。
　　ThebeautifulriverofpoetryandsongthattheIndiansfirstdiscovered，andlaterwiththeFrench，namedOuabache；thewindingshiningriverthatLoganandMe—shin—go—me—sialoved；theonlyriverthatcouldtemptWa—ca—co—nahfromtheSalamonieandMississinewa；theriverbeneathwhosesilversycamoresandgiantmaplesChiefGodfreypitchedhiscampfires，wasnevermorebeautifulthanonthatperfectautumnday。
　　Withhisfeatherspressedclosely，theCardinalalightedonawillow，andleanedtolook，quiveringwithexcitementandutteringexplosive"chips"；fortherehewas，facetofacewithabigredbirdthatappearedneitherpeacefulnortimid。Heutteredanimpudent"Chip"ofchallenge，which，asitlefthisbeak，wasflungbacktohim。TheCardinalflaredhiscrestandhalfliftedhiswings，stiffeningthematthebutt；thebirdhewasfacingdidthesame。Inhissurprisehearosetohisfullheightwithadexterouslittlesidestep，andtheotherbirdstraightenedandside—steppedexactlywithhim。ThiswastooinsultingfortheCardinal。Strainingeverymuscle，hemadeadashattheimpudentstranger。
　　Hestruckthewaterwithsuchforcethatitsplashedabovethewillows，andakingfisher，stationedonastumpoppositehim，watchingtheshoalsforminnows，sawit。Hespreadhisbeakandrolledforthrattlinglaughter，untilhisvoicereechoedfrompointtopointdowntheriver。TheCardinalscarcelyknewhowhegotout，buthehadlearnedanewlesson。Thatbeautiful，shining，creepingthingwaswater；notthick，tepid，blackmarshwater，butpure，cool，silverwater。Heshookhisplumage，feelingadegreeredderfromshame，buthewouldnotbelaughedintoleaving。Hefoundittoodelightful。Inashorttimeheventureddownandtookasip，anditwasthefirstrealdrinkofhislife。Oh，butitwasgood!
　　Whenthirstfromtheheatandhislongflightwasquenched，heventuredinforabath，andthatwasanewanddelightfulexperience。Howhesplashedandsplashed，andsentthesilverdropsflying!Howheduckedandsoakedandcooledinthatripplingwater，inwhichhemightremainaslongashepleasedandsplashhisfill；forhecouldseethebottomforalongdistanceallaround，andeasilycouldavoidanythingattemptingtoharmhim。Hewassowetwhenhisbathwasfinishedhescarcelycouldreachabushtodryanddresshisplumage。
　　Onceagaininperfectfeather，herememberedthebirdofthewater，andreturnedtothewillow。ThereinthedepthsoftheshiningrivertheCardinaldiscoveredhimself，andhisheartswelledbigwithjustpride。Wasthatbroadfullbreasthis？
　　Wherehadheseenanyothercardinalwithacrestsohighitwavedinthewind？Howbigandblackhiseyeswere，andhisbeardwasalmostaslongandcrispashisfather’s。Hespreadhiswingsandgloatedontheirsweep，andtwistedandflirtedhistail。Hewentoverhistoiletagainanddressedeveryfeatheronhim。Hescouredthebackofhisneckwiththebuttofhiswings，andtuckinghisheadunderthem，slowlydrewitouttimeaftertimetopolishhiscrest。Heturnedandtwisted。Herockedandparaded，andeveryglimpsehecaughtofhissizeandbeautyfilledhimwithpride。Hestruttedlikeapeacockandchatteredlikeajay。
　　Whenhecouldfindnofurtherpointstoadmire，somethingelsecaughthisattention。Whenhe"chipped"therewasananswering"Chip"acrosstheriver；certainlytherewasnocardinalthere，soitmustbethathewashearinghisownvoiceaswellasseeinghimself。Selectingaconspicuousperchhesentanincisive"Chip!"acrossthewater，andinkinditcamebacktohim。Thenhe"chipped"softlyandtenderly，ashedidintheLimberlosttoafavouritelittlesisterwhooftencameandperchedbesidehiminthemaplewhereheslept，andsoftlyandtenderlycametheanswer。ThentheCardinalunderstood。"Wheat!Wheat!Wheat!"
　　Hewhistledithigh，andhewhistleditlow。"Cheer!Cheer!
　　Cheer!"Hewhistledittenderlyandsharplyandimperiously。
　　"Here!Here!Here!"Atthisringingcommand，everybird，asfarastherivercarriedhisvoice，cametoinvestigateandremainedtoadmire。Overandoverherangeverychangehecouldinvent。
　　Hemadeagallanteffortatwarblingandtrilling，andthen，withthegladdestheartheeverhadknown，heburstintoringingsong：
　　"GoodCheer!GoodCheer!GoodCheer!"
　　Aseveningcameonhegrewrestlessanduneasy，soheslowlywingedhiswaybacktotheLimberlost；butthatdayforeverspoiledhimforaswampbird。Inthenightherestlesslyruffledhisfeathers，andsniffedforthebreezeofthemeadows。Hetastedthecornandtheclearwateragain。Headmiredhisimageintheriver，andlongedforthesoundofhisvoice，untilhebeganmurmuring，"Wheat!Wheat!Wheat!"inhissleep。Intheearliestdawnarobinawokehimsinging，"Cheerup!Cheerup!"
　　andheansweredwithasleepy"Cheer!Cheer!Cheer!"Latertherobinsangagainwithexquisitesoftnessandtenderness："Cheerup，Dearie!Cheerup，Dearie!Cheerup!Cheerup!Cheer!"TheCardinal，nowfullyawakened，shoutedlustily，"GoodCheer!GoodCheer!"andafterthatitwasonlyashorttimeuntilhewasonhiswaytowardtheshiningriver。Itwasbetterthanbefore，andeveryfollowingdayfoundhimfeastinginthecornfieldandbathingintheshiningwater；buthealwaysreturnedtohisfamilyatnightfall。
　　WhenblackfrostsbegantostriptheLimberlost，andfoodwasalmostreducedtodryseed，therecameadayonwhichthekingmarshalledhisfollowersandgavethemagicsignal。Withduskheledthemsouthward，mileaftermile，untiltheirbreathfellshort，andtheirwingsachedwithunaccustomedflight；butbecauseofthetripstotheriver，theCardinalwasstrongerthantheothers，andheeasilykeptabreastoftheking。Intheearlymorning，evenbeforetherobinswereawake，thekingsettledintheEverglades。ButtheCardinalhadlostalllikingforswamplife，sohestubbornlysetoutalone，andinashorttimehehadfoundanotherriver。Itwasnotquitesodelightfulastheshiningriver；butstillitwasbeautiful，andonitsgentlyslopingbankwasanorangeorchard。TheretheCardinalrested，andfoundawinterhomeafterhisheart’sdesire。
　　Thefollowingmorning，agolden—hairedlittlegirlandanoldmanwithsnowylockscamehandinhandthroughtheorchard。Thechildsawtheredbirdandimmediatelyclaimedhim，andthatsamedaytheedictwentforththataverydreadfultimewasinstoreforanyonewhoharmedorevenfrightenedtheCardinal。Soinsecuritybeganaseriesofdaysthatwerepuredelight。Theorchardwasalivewithinsects，attractedbytheheavyodours，andslugsinfestedthebark。FeastingwasalmostasgoodasintheLimberlost，andalwaystherewastherivertodrinkfromandtosplashinatwill。
　　Inthosedaysthechildandtheoldmanlingeredforhoursintheorchard，watchingthebirdthateverydayseemedtogrowbiggerandbrighter。Whatapicturehiscoat，nowabrightcardinalred，madeagainstthewaxygreenleaves!Howbigandbrilliantheseemedasheracedanddartedinplayamongthecreamyblossoms!Howthelittlegirlstoodwithclaspedhandsworshippinghim，aswithswellingthroatherockedonthehighestsprayandsanghisinspiringchorusoverandover："GoodCheer!
　　GoodCheer!"Everydaytheycametowatchandlisten。Theyscatteredcrumbs；andtheCardinalgrewsofriendlythathegreetedtheircomingwithaquick"Chip!Chip!"whilethedelightedchildtriedtorepeatitafterhim。Soontheybecamesuchfriendsthatwhenhesawthemapproachinghewouldcallsoftly"Chip!Chip!"andthenwithbeadyeyesandtiltedheadawaitherreply。
　　SometimesamemberofhisfamilyfromtheEvergladesfoundhiswayintotheorchard，andtheCardinal，havinggrowntofeelasenseofproprietorship，resentedtheintrusionandpursuedhimlikeastreakofflame。Wheneveranystragglerhadthisexperience，hereturnedtotheswamprealizingthattheCardinaloftheorangeorchardwasalmosttwicehissizeandstrength，andsostartlinglyredastobeawonder。
　　Onedayagentlebreezefromthenorthsprangupandstirredtheorangebranches，waftingtheheavyperfumeacrossthelandandouttosea，andspreadinitssteadacool，delicate，pungentodour。TheCardinalliftedhisheadandwhistledaninquiringnote。Hewasnotcertain，andwentonsearchingforslugs，andpredictinghappinessinfullroundnotes："GoodCheer!GoodCheer!"Againtheodourswepttheorchard，sostrongthatthistimetherewasnomistakingit。TheCardinaldartedtothetopmostbranch，hiscrestflaring，histailtwitchingnervously。
　　"Chip!Chip!"hecriedwithexcitedinsistence，"Chip!Chip!"
　　Thebreezewascomingstifflyandsteadilynow，unlikeanythingtheCardinaleverhadknown，foritscoolbreathtoldofice—boundfieldsbreakingupunderthesun。Itsdamptouchwasfromthespringshowerswashingthefaceofthenorthland。Itssubtleodourwasthecomminglingofmyriadsofunfoldingleavesandcrispplants，upspringing；itspungentperfumewasthepollenofcatkins。
　　UpinthelandoftheLimberlost，oldMotherNature，withstridentmuttering，hadsetaboutherannualhousecleaning。
　　Withherefficientbroom，theMarchwind，shewassweepingeverynookandcrannyclean。Withherscrub—bucketoverflowingwithAprilshowers，shewaswashingthefaceofallcreation，andifthesemeasuresfailedtoproducecleanlinesstohersatisfaction，shegaveafinalpolishwithstormsofhail。Theshiningriverwasfilledtooverflowing；breakinguptheiceandcarryingaloadofrefuse，itwentrollingtothesea。Theiceandsnowhadnotaltogethergone；butthelong—pregnantearthwasmotheringherchildren。Shecringedateverystep，forthegroundwasteemingwithlife。Bugandwormwereworkingtolightandwarmth。Thrustingasidethemoldandleavesabovethem，springbeauties，hepaticas，andvioletsliftedtendergolden—greenheads。Thesapwasflowing，andleaflesstreeswerecoveredwithswellingbuds。Delicatemosseswerecreepingovereverystickofdecayingtimber。Thelichensonstoneandfencewerefreshlypaintedinunendingshadesofgrayandgreen。Myriadsofflowersandvineswerespringinguptocoverlastyear’sdecayingleaves。
　　"Thebeautifuluncuthairofgraves"wascreepingovermeadow，spreadingbesideroadways，andblanketingeverynakedspot。
　　TheLimberlostwaswakingtolifeevenaheadofthefieldsandtheriver。Throughthewinterithadbeenthebarestanddreariestofplaces；butnowtheearliestsignsofreturningspringwereinitsmartialmusic，forwhenthegreenhylapipes，andthebullfrogdrums，thebirdvoicessoonjointhem。Thecatkinsbloomedfirst；andthen，inanincrediblyshorttime，flags，rushes，andvineswerelikeaseaofwavinggreen，andswellingbudswerereadytoburst。Intheuplandthesmokewascurlingoversugar—campandclearing；intheforestsanimalswererousingfromtheirlongsleep；theshadwerestartinganewtheirnever—endingjourneyuptheshiningriver；peepsofgreenweremantlinghilltopandvalley；andthenorthlandwasreadyforitsdearestspringtimetreasurestocomehomeagain。
　　Fromoverheadwereringingthosefirstgladnotes，caughtnearertheThronethanthoseofanyotherbird，"Springo’year!Springo’year!"；whilestilt—leggedlittlekilldeerswerescuddingaroundtheLimberlostandbesidetheriver，flingingfromcloudlandtheir"Killdeer!Killdeer!"call。Therobinsintheorchardswerepullingthelongdriedbladesoflastyear’sgrassfrombeneaththesnowtolinetheirmud—walledcups；andthebluebirdswereatthehollowappletree。Flatonthetoprail，thedovesweregatheringtheirfewcoarsesticksandtwigstogether。Itwassuchasplendidplacetosettheircradle。Theweatherbeaten，rottingoldrailsweretheverycolourofthebusydovemother。Herred—rimmedeyefittedintothebackgroundlikeatinyscarletlichencup。Surelynoonewouldeverseeher!
　　TheLimberlostandshiningriver，thefieldsandforests，thewaysidebushesandfences，thestumps，logs，hollowtrees，eventhebarebrownbreastofMotherEarth，wereallwaitingtocradletheirownagain；andbyoneoftheuntoldmiracleseachwouldreturntoitsplace。
　　Therewasintoxicationintheair。Thesubtle，pungent，ravishingodoursonthewind，ofunfoldingleaves，ice—waterwashedplants，andcatkinpollen，wereanelixirtohumanity。
　　Thecattleofthefieldwerefairlydrunkwithit，andherds，dry—fedduringthewinter，werecomingtotheirfirstgrazingwithheadsthrownhigh，romping，bellowing，andracinglikewildthings。
　　Thenorthwind，sweepingfromicyfastnesses，caughtthisodourofspring，andcarriedittotheorangeorchardsandEverglades；
　　andatabreathofit，crazedwithexcitement，theCardinalwentflamingthroughtheorchard，forwithnoonetoteachhim，heknewwhatitmeant。Thecallhadcome。Holidayswereover。
　　Itwastimetogohome，timetoriotincrispfreshness，timetogocourting，timetomakelove，timetopossesshisown，timeformatingandnest—building。Allthatdayheflashedaround，nervouswithdreadoftheunknown，andpalpitantwithdelightfulexpectation；butwiththecomingofduskhebeganhisjourneynorthward。
　　WhenhepassedtheEverglades，hewingedhiswayslowly，andrepeatedlysentdownachallenging"Chip，"buttherewasnoanswer。ThentheCardinalknewthatthenorthwindhadcarriedatruemessage，forthekingandhisfollowerswereaheadofhimontheirwaytotheLimberlost。Mileaftermile，athingofpulsingfire，hebreastedtheblue—blacknight，anditwasnotsoverylonguntilhecoulddiscernaflickeringpatchofdarknesssweepingtheskybeforehim。TheCardinalflewsteadilyinastraightsweep，untilwithathroboftriumphinhisheart，hearoseinhiscourse，andfromfaroverhead，flungdownaboastfulchallengetothekingandhisfollowers，ashesailedabovethemandwaslostfromsight。
　　ItwasstillduskywiththedarknessofnightwhenhecrossedtheLimberlost，droppinglowenoughtoseeitsbrancheslaidbare，tocatchagleamofgreeninitsswellingbuds，andtohearthewaveringchorusofitsfrogs。Buttherewasnohesitationinhisflight。Straightandsurehewingedhiswaytowardtheshiningriver；anditwasonlyafewmoremilesuntiltherollingwatersofitsspringtimefloodcaughthiseye。Droppingprecipitately，heplungedhisburningbeakintothelovedwater；thenheflewintoafineoldstagsumacandtuckedhisheadunderhiswingforashortrest。Hehadmadethelongflightinoneunbrokensweep，andhewassleepy。Inuttercontentheruffledhisfeathersandclosedhiseyes，forhewasbesidetheshiningriver；anditwouldbeanotherseasonbeforetheorangeorchardwouldringagainwithhis"GoodCheer!GoodCheer!"
　　Chapter2
　　"Wetyear!Wetyear!"prophesiedtheCardinalThesumacseemedtofillhisideaofaperfectlocationfromtheveryfirst。Heperchedonalimb，andbetweendressinghisplumageandpeckingatlastyear’ssourdriedberries，hesentabroadhisprediction。OldMotherNatureverifiedhiswisdombysendingadashingshower，buthecarednotatallforawetting。
　　Heknewhowtoturnhiscrimsonsuitintothemostperfectofwater—proofcoats；soheflattenedhiscrest，sleekedhisfeathers，andbreastingtheAprildownpour，keptoncallingforrain。Heknewhewouldappearbrighterwhenitwaspast，andheseemedtoknow，too，thateverydayofsunshineandshowerwouldbringnearerhisheart’sdesire。
　　HewasaveryBeauBrummelwhilehewaited。Frommorninguntilnighthebathed，dressedhisfeathers，sunnedhimself，fluffedandflirted。Hestruttedand"chipped"incessantly。Heclaimedthatsumacforhisveryown，andstoutlybattledforpossessionwithmanyintruders。Itgrewonadenselywoodedslope，andtheshiningriverwentsingingbetweengrassybanks，whitenedwithspringbeauties，belowit。Crowdedarounditwerethicketsofpapaw，wildgrape—vines，thorn，dogwood，andredhaw，thatattractedbugandinsect；andjustacrosstheoldsnakefencewasafieldofmellowmouldslopingtotheriver，thatsoonwouldbeplowedforcorn，turningoutnumberlessbigfatgrubs。
　　Hewascompelledalmosthourlytowagebattlesforhislocation，fortherewassomethingfineabouttheoldstagsumacthatattractedhomesteadseekers。AsoberpairofrobinsbeganlayingtheirfoundationstherethemorningtheCardinalarrived，andacoupleofblackbirdstriedtotakepossessionbeforethedayhadpassed。Hehadlittletroublewiththerobins。Theywereeasilyconquered，andwithsmallprotestsettledarodupthebankinawild—plumtree；buttheairwasthickwith"chips，"chatter，andredandblackfeathers，beforetheblackbirdsacknowledgeddefeat。Theywereold—timers，andknewaboutthegrubsandtheyoungcorn；buttheyalsoknewwhentheywerebeaten，sotheymoveddownstreamtoascruboak，tryingtoassureeachotherthatitwastheplacetheyreallyhadwantedfromthefirst。
　　TheCardinalwasleftboastingandstruttinginthesumac，butinhishearthefounditlonesomebusiness。Beingthesonofaking，hewasmuchtoodignifiedtobegforamate，andbesides，ittookallhistimetoguardthesumac；buthiseyeswerewideopentoallthatwentonaroundhim，andheenviedtheblackbirdhisglossy，devotedlittlesweetheart，withallhismight。Healmoststrainedhisvoicetryingtorivalthelove—songofaskylarkthathungamongthecloudsaboveameadowacrosstheriver，andpoureddowntohismateastoryofadoringloveandsympathy。Hescreameda"Chip"ofsuchsavagejealousyatapairofkilldeerloversthathesentthemscamperingdowntheriverbankwithoutknowingthatthecrimeofwhichtheystoodconvictedwasthatofbeingmatedwhenhewasnot。Asforthedovesthatwerealreadybroodingonthelinefencebeneaththemaples，theCardinalwastornbetweentwoopinions。
　　Hewasalone，hewaslove—sick，andhewasholdingthefinestbuildinglocationbesidetheshiningriverforhismate，andherslownessincomingmadetheirdevotiondifficulttoendurewhenhecovetedatruelove；butitseemedtotheCardinalthathenevercouldsoforgethimselfastoemulatetheexampleofthatdovelover。Thedovehadnodignity；hewassoeffusivehewasanuisance。HekepthisdignifiedQuakermatestuffedtodiscomfort；heclungtothesideofthenesttryingtohelpbrooduntilhealmostcrowdedherfromtheeggs。Hepesteredherwithcaressesandcooedoverhislove—songuntileverychipmunkonthelinefencewasfamiliarwithhisstory。TheCardinal’stemperwasworntosuchafineedgethathedartedatthedoveonedayandpulledabigtuftoffeathersfromhisback。Whenhehadreturnedtothesumac，hewascompelledtoadmitthathisangerlayquiteasmuchinthathehadnoonetoloveasbecausethedovewasdisgustinglydevoted。
　　Everymorningbroughtnewarrivals——trimyoungfemalesfreshfromtheirlongholiday，andbigboastfulmalesappearingtheirbrightestandbravest，eachsingeralmostsplittinghisthroatintheefforttocaptivatethematehecoveted。Theycameflashingdowntheriverbank，likerocketsofscarlet，gold，blue，andblack；rockingonthewillows，splashinginthewater，burstingintojetsofmelody，makingeverypossibledisplayoftheirbeautyandmusic；andattimesfightingfiercelywhentheydiscoveredthatthefemalestheywerewooingfavouredtheirrivalsanddesiredonlytobefriendlywiththem。
　　TheheartoftheCardinalsankashewatched。Therewasnotamemberofhisimmediatefamilyamongthem。Hepitiedhimselfashewonderediffatehadinstoreforhimthetrialshesawotherssuffering。Thosedreadfulfeatheredfemales!Howtheycoquetted!
　　Howtheyflirted!Howtheysleekedandflattenedtheirplumage，andwithhalf—openbeaksandsparklingeyes，hoppedcloserandcloserasifcharmed。Theeagersingers，withswellingthroats，sangandsanginaveryfrenzyofextravagantpleading，butjustwhentheyfeltsuretheirlittleloveswereonthepointofsurrender，aroddistantabovethebusheswouldgostreaksoffeathers，andtherewasnothingleftbuttoendurethebitterdisappointment，followthem，andbeginallover。ForthelastthreedaystheCardinalhadbeenwatchinghiscousin，rose—breastedGrosbeak，makeviolentlovetothemostexquisitelittlefemale，whoapparentlyencouragedhisadvances，onlytoseehimleftsittingasblueanddisconsolateasanyhumanlover，whenhediscoversthatthemaidwhohascoquettedwithhimforaseasonbelongstoanotherman。
　　TheCardinalflewtotheverytopofthehighestsycamoreandlookedacrosscountrytowardtheLimberlost。Shouldhegothereseekingaswampmateamonghiskindred？Itwasnotanendurablethought。Tobesure，matterswerebecomingserious。Nobirdbesidetheshiningriverhadplumed，paraded，ormademoremusicthanhe。Wasitalltobewasted？Bythistimeheconfidentlyhadexpectedresults。OnlythatmorninghehadswelledwithprideasheheardMrs。JaytellherquarrelsomehusbandthatshewishedshecouldexchangehimfortheCardinal。Didnotthegentledovepausebythesumac，whensheleftbroodingtotakehermorningdipinthedust，andgazeathimwithunconcealedadmiration？Nodoubtshedevoutlywishedherplainpudgyhusbandworeascarletcoat。Butitispraisefromone’sownsexthatispraiseindeed，andonlyanhouragothelarkhadreportedthatfromhislookoutabovecloudhesawnoothersingeranywheresosplendidastheCardinalofthesumac。Becauseofthesethingsheheldfasttohisconvictionthathewasaprinceindeed；andhedecidedtoremaininhischosenlocationandwithhisphysicalandvocalattractionscompelthefinestlittlecardinalinthefieldstoseekhim。
　　Heplanneditallverycarefully：howshewouldhearhissplendidmusicandcometotakeapeepathim；howshewouldbecaptivatedbyhissizeandbeauty；howshewouldcometimidly，butcome，ofcourse，forhisapproval；howhewouldcondescendtoacceptherifshepleasedhiminallparticulars；howshewouldbedevotedtohim；andhowshewouldapprovehischoiceofahome，forthesumacwasinalovelyspotforscenery，aswellasnest—building。
　　Forseveraldayshehadboasted，hehadbantered，hehadchallenged，hehadonthislastdayalmostcondescendedtocoaxing，butnotonelittlebright—eyedcardinalfemalehadcometoofferherself。
　　Theperformanceofabrownthrushdrovehimwildwithenvy。Thethrushcameglidinguptheriverbank，arusty—coated，sneakingthingoftheunderbrush，andtakingpossessionofathornbushjustoppositethesumac，hesangforanhourintheopen。Therewasnowaytoimprovethatmusic。Itwaswovenfreshfromthewarpandwoofofhisfancy。Itwasasongsofilledwiththejoyandgladnessofspring，notessothrilledwithlove’spleadingandpassion’stenderpulsingpain，thatatitsclosetherewereahalf—dozenadmiringthrushfemalesgatheredaround。Withcareanddeliberationthebrownthrushselectedthemostattractive，andshefollowedhimtothethicketasifcharmed。
　　ItwastheCardinal’sdreammaterializedforanotherbeforehisveryeyes，anditfilledhimwithenvy。Ifthatplainbrownbirdthatslinkedasifhehadathefttoaccountfor，could，byshowinghimselfandsingingforanhour，winamate，whyshouldnothe，themostgorgeousbirdofthewoods，openlyflauntinghischarmsanddiscoursinghismusic，haveatleastequalsuccess？
　　Shouldhe，theproudest，mostmagnificentofcardinals，becompelledtogoseekingamatelikeanycommonbird？Perishthethought!
　　Hewenttotherivertobathe。Afterfindingaspotwherethewaterflowedcrystal—clearoverabedofwhitelimestone，hewasheduntilhefeltthathecouldbenocleaner。ThentheCardinalwenttohisfavouritesun—parlour，andstretchingonalimb，hestoodhisfeathersonend，andsunned，fluffedandprinkeduntilhewasimmaculate。
　　Onthetip—topantleroftheoldstagsumac，heperchedandstraineduntilhisjettywhiskersappearedstubby。Hepouredoutatumultuouscryvibrantwitheverypassionraginginhim。Hecaughtuphisownrollingechoesandchangedandvariedthem。Heimprovised，andsettheshiningriverringing，"Wetyear!Wetyear!"
　　Hewhistledandwhistleduntilallbirdlandandevenmankindheard，forthefarmerpausedathiskitchendoor，withhispailsoffoamingmilk，andcalledtohiswife：
　　"Hearthat，Maria!Jesthearit!Iswanny，ifthatbirddoesn’tstoppredictin’wetweather，I’llgetsoscaredIwon’tdurstputinmycornaforeJune。They’ssomebirdslikekilldeersan’
　　bobwhites’atcanmakethingsprettyplain，butIneverheardabird’atcouldjestspeakwordsoutclearan’distinctlikethatfellow。Seemstocomefromtheriverbottom。B’lieveI’lljeststepdownthatwayan’seeifthelowerfieldisreadyfortheplowyet。"
　　"AbramJohnson，"saidhiswife，"bein’syousetupforanhonestman，ifyouwanttotrapsethroughslushan’drizzleahalf—miletoseeabird，whysayso，butdon’tforland’ssakelayitontoplowin’’atyouknowinallconsciencewon’tbereadyforaweekyet’thoutpretendin’tolook。"
　　Abramgrinnedsheepishly。"I’mwillin’tocallitthebirdifyouare，Maria。I’vebeenhearin’himfromthebarnallday，an’
　　there’ssomethin’kindo’humaninhisnotes’attakesmejestalittlediffruntfromanyotherbirdIevernoticed。I’mreallycurioustoseteyesonhim。Seemedtomefromhissingin’outtothebarn，it’udbemightynearlikemeetin’folks。"
　　"Bosh!"exclaimedMaria。"Idon’ts’posehesingsamitebetter’ananyotherbird。It’sjesttheoldWabashrollin’uptheechoes。Abirdsingin’besidetheriveralwayssoundstwicetasfineasoneonthehills。I’veknowedthatforfortyyear。
　　Chancesare’athe’llbegone’foreyougetthere。"
　　AsAbramopenedthedoor，"Wetyear!Wetyear!"pealedtheflamingprophet。
　　Hewentout，closingthedoorsoftly，andwithanutterdisregardforthecornfield，madeabeelineforthemusician。
　　"Idon’tknowasthisisthebestfortwingeso’rheumatiz，"hemuttered，asheturneduphiscollaranddrewhisoldhatlowertokeepthesplashingdropsfromhisface。"Idon’tjestrightlys’poseIshouldgo；butI’mfreetoadmitI’dasliefbedeadasnottoanswerwhenIgetacall，an’thefactis，I’mCALLEDdownbesidetheriver。"
　　"Wetyear!Wetyear!"rolledtheCardinal’sprediction。
　　"Thanky，oldfellow!Gladtohearyou!Didn’tjestneedtheinformation，butIgotmybearin’srightlyfromit!Icanaboutpickoutyourbush，an’it’swellalongtowardsevenin’，too，an’
　　mustbemightynearyourbedtime。Looksasifyoumightbestayin’roundtheseparts!I’dlikeitpowerfulwellifyou’dsettlerighthere，say’boutwhereyouare。An’whereareyou，anyway？"
　　Abramwentpeeringanddodgingbesidethefence，peepingintothebushes，searchingforthebird。Suddenlytherewasawhirofwingsandastreakofcrimson。
　　"Scaredyouintothenextcounty，Is’pose，"hemuttered。
　　Butitcamenearerbeingascaredmanthanafrightenedbird，fortheCardinalflashedstraighttowardhimuntilonlyafewyardsaway，andthen，swayingonabush，itchipped，cheered，peeked，whistledbrokennotes，andmanifestedperfectdelightatthesightofthewhite—hairedoldman。Abramstaredinastonishment。
　　"LordA’mighty!"hegasped。"Bigasablackbird，redasalivecoal，an’a—comin’rightatme。Youaresomebody’spet，that’swhatyouare!An’no，youain’teither。Settin’onasawedstickinalittlewirehousetakesallthegingeroutofanybird，an’theirfeathersarealwaysmussy。Insideo’acageneversawyou，fortheyain’tafeatherouto’placeonyou。Youarefiner’napieceo’redsatin。An’yougotthatwayo’
　　swingin’an’dancin’an’high—steppin’rightoutinGodA’mighty’sbigwoods，ateeterin’inthewind，an’adartin’
　　’crostthewater。Cagenevertouchedyou!Butyouaresomebody’spetjestthesame。An’Ilookliketheman，an’youaretryin’
　　totellmeso，bygum!"