"Men know but little more than we, <br />Who count us least of things terrene, <br />How happy days are made to be! <br /> <br />"Of such strange tidings what think ye, <br />O birds in brown that peck and preen? <br />Men know but little more than we! <br /> <br />"When I was borne from yonder tree <br />In bonds to them, I hoped to glean <br />How happy days are made to be, <br /> <br />"And want and wailing turned to glee; <br />Alas, despite their mighty mien <br />Men know but little more than we! <br /> <br />"They cannot change the Frost's decree, <br />They cannot keep the skies serene; <br />How happy days are made to be <br /> <br />"Eludes great Man's sagacity <br />No less than ours, O tribes in treen! <br />Men know but little more than we <br />How happy days are made to be."<br /><br />Thomas Hardy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-caged-thrush-freed-and-home-again-villanelle/
