Three and thirty birds there stood br In an elder in a wood; br Called Melmillo -- flew off three, br Leaving thirty in the tree; br Called Melmillo -- nine now gone, br And the boughs held twenty-one; br Called Melmillo -- and eighteen br Left but three to nod and preen; br Called Melmillo -- three--two--one-- br Now of birds were feathers none. br br Then stole slim Me.millo in br To that wood all dusk and green, br And with lean long palms outspread br Softly a strange dance did tread; br Not a note of music she br Had for echoing company; br All the birds were flown to rest br In the hollow of her breast; br In the wood -- thorn, elder willow -- br Danced alone -- lone danced Melmillo.