And the tree things like him, too, brother; and the flowers, the little flower things that know everything; they're all a singin' to Pete 'cause he's come.
Did you see the flower things in his eyes, and hear the tree things a talkin' in his voice, Brave?
And see, brother, the sheep like him too!" Pointing toward the stranger, he laughed aloud.

The old ewe had come quite close to the man, and one of the lambs was nibbling at his trousers' leg.
Mr.Howitt seated himself on the stile again, and the dog, released by the youth, came to lie down at his feet; while the boy seemed to forget his companions, and appeared to be listening to voices unheard by them, now and then nodding his head and moving his lips in answer.
The old man looked long and thoughtfully at the youth, his own face revealing a troubled mind.

This then was Pete, Poor Pete.
"Howard," whispered the man; "the perfect image;" then again he said, half aloud, "Howard." The boy turned his face and smiled; "That ain't his name, Mister; his name's Pete.

Pete seen you yesterday over on Dewey, and Pete he heard the big hills and the woods a singin' when you talked.
But Jed he didn't hear.

Jed he don't hear nothin' but himself; he can't.