New Zealand Verse/Twilight and the Makomako

LXXIV.

Twilight and the Makomako.

Night on the forest is falling,Slowly the day leaves the hill,Birds from the coverts are calling,Calling in tinkle and trill:
Medley of harmony ringing,Musical, mellow and chiming;Night-airs a-quiver with singing,—Jangle of sweetness and riming!
Twilight is gone from the hill,Dark are the woods to the moon;All the sweet voices are still,Darkness has come too soon.—
One lone bird forgetsThat the white moon is climbing;While over a hill a star sets,It is chiming and chiming:—
Bell-birds, softer than bells,Bell-bird, ever in tune,What god in your bosom dwells?—What passion your bosom swellsAs you chime to the climbing moon?