She had learned their language when she was but a babe, and knew when they were glad or sad; when they praised or scolded; when they gave warning that the spirits of the storm were abroad; when they said to their young, "Courage, little ones; it is time to try your wings"; when they softly chirped, "To sleep, to sleep"; and when they sang songs of love or farewell.
And so it happened that she understood every word of the song that the wren sang to her that winter afternoon. The snow had been falling, and the sunshine was just coming back, when she went out in the garden, in her Little Red Riding-hood cloak, to share her bread with the sparrows and snow-birds. Around her they flew, uttering cries of joy, when suddenly the wren, forgetting his shyness, appeared among them; and this is the song he sang:
"In the time of violets, When the Spring came dancing O'er the meadow, through the wood, Sunbeams round her glancing-- 'Birdie's sweet, sweet, sweet, Sweet,' sang the swallow, 'And where'er her footsteps roam, I will follow, follow.'
"When the roses bloomed and blushed, And the fragrant Summer Kisses warm and sparkling smiles Gave to each new-comer-- 'Birdie's sweet, sweet, sweet,' Sang the blackbird clearly; 'Sweet as daisy-buds, and I Love her dearly, dearly.'
"When the autumn leaves began Gold and crimson turning, Robin-Redbreast sang--his breast Bright as sunset burning-- 'Birdie's sweet, sweet, sweet, Sweet as dewy clover, And her praises shall be sung All the wide world over.'
"Wrens and sparrows--all the birds, Dear, that fly above thee, For thy gentle words and ways, For thy beauty, love thee. Birdie sweet, sweet, sweet-- Happy be forever! While the birds can guard thee, sweet, Harm shall reach thee never."
"Thank you, dear wren--thank you, dear birds," said Birdie, with tears in her beautiful blue eyes, when the song was ended; and she went away to her own little room and said a prayer of thankfulness.
And from that time the child's heart was lighter than ever, and she sang all day long like a tuneful mocking-bird, blending all the sweet strains of her friends in one delightful song, until winter passed away, and the snow melted, and the snow-drop peeped out of the ground, and said, timidly, "I am here: spare me, O Wind!" and while the spring covered the earth with daisies and dandelions and May buds and brave honest grass, and flung delicate blossoms all over the orchards. Then came the summer once more, and started millions of lovely "green things a-growing," and filled the trees with thousands of joyous young birds.
