human
Let me up,
gpt
It is not time,
human
It is, said the lark, rather rudely.
gpt
The darkness is quite thin. I can almost see my own beak.
human
Nonsense! said the lark's wife.
gpt
You know you came home yesterday morning quite worn out--you had to fly so very high before you saw him. I am sure he would not mind if you took it a little easier. Do be quiet and go to sleep again.
human
That's not it at all, said the lark.
gpt
He doesn't want me. I want him. Let me up, I say.
human
I will sing a song. I'm the Lark.
gpt
Sing, sing, Throat-strong, Little Kill-the-dark. What will you sing about, Now the night is out?
human
I can only call; I can't think. Let me up--that's all. Let me drink! Thirsting all the long night For a drink of light.
gpt
Poor little things! You can't fly,
human
No; but we can look up,
gpt
Ah, you don't know what it is to see the very first of the sun.
human
But we know what it is to wait till he comes. He's no worse for your seeing him first, is he?
gpt
Oh no, certainly not,
human
Tell us where--
gpt
Selfish bird! said Buffy.
human
It's all very well for larks to go hunting the sun, but they have no business to despise their neighbours, for all that.
gpt
Can I be of any use to you?
human
Oh! thank you. If you please,
gpt
Lie still, little ones.
human
My husband is King of the Larks,
gpt
Oh, it's not me, said the bird, looking very shy.
human
I am only his wife. It's my husband.
gpt
He's a splendid bird, said Buffy-Bob;
human
Oh, no! he doesn't. It's only his way, you know. But tell me what I can do for you.
gpt
Tell us, please, Lady Lark, where the she-eagle lives that sits on Giant Thunderthump's heart.
human
Oh! that is a secret.
gpt
Did you promise not to tell?
human
No; but larks ought to be discreet. They see more than other birds.
gpt
But you don't fly up high like your husband, do you?
human
Not often. But it's no matter. I come to know things for all that.
gpt
Do tell me, and I will sing you a song,
human
Can you sing too?--You have got no wings!
gpt
Yes. And I will sing you a song I learned the other day about a lark and his wife.
human
Please do, said the lark's wife.
gpt
Be quiet, children, and listen.