During the First World War...
During the First World War, a fierce battle raged in a patch of forest in northern France. Both sides had dug trenches and at the least sign of movement on either side, guns would crash out thunderously. Near the trenches, in what remained of a tall tree, a nightingale had its nest. In the moments of silence between the volleys of fire, its song could be heard, ringing out sweetly above the battlefield. Then the roar of the guns would drown out the bird's song. Yet, when the gunfire died down again, the glad notes of his song would sound out afresh.
