Melmillo

Three and thirty birds there stood

In an elder in a wood;

Called Melmillo -- flew off three,

Leaving thirty in the tree;

Called Melmillo -- nine now gone,

And the boughs held twenty-one;

Called Melmillo -- and eighteen

Left but three to nod and preen;

Called Melmillo -- three -- two -- one --

Now of birds were feathers none.

Then stole slim Melmillo in

To that wood all dusk and green,

And with lean long palms outspread

Softly a strange dance did tread;

Not a note of music she

Had for echoing company;

All the birds were flown to rest

In the hollow of her breast;

In the wood -- thorn, elder willow --

Danced alone -- lone danced Melmillo.