of professional entertainers and bring with my singing
notes of welcome to mortal man?
Or if less literal versions are wanted:
I speak a various language.
Loud I sing with notes ever changing
with professional skill always at evening
long familiar to all good men.
They welcome my song. I bring them bliss
as they sit listening
at home with heads bowed in reverence.
Can you guess what my name is?
or
I speak very many languages well
And hold all good men under my spell
I sing like a diva with coloratura
Loud and long with bright bravura.
They listen with joy and welcome my song
As they sit at home the evening long.
My notes are never twice the same.
You know me, and now you may say my name.
or
My tongue is tuned to many changing songs
With ever alternating shorts and longs;
With loud and low my old accustomed note
In cunning music issues from my throat.
I sing at eventide, and all who hear
Listen with eagerly attentive ear;
In reverent silence bowed they sit at home
Learning of many welcome things to come.
Attend and answer; try if you can tell
My name who mimic others’ songs so well.
