Then, children, lift up a pious prayer, It hears whatever you say, That heavenly dove, so white and fair, That sits on the lily spray.
Whistles the quail from the covert, Whistles with all his might, High and shrill, day after day, "Children, tell me, what does he say?" _Ginx_--(the little one, bold and bright, Sure that he understands aright)-- "He says, 'Bob White! Bob White!'"
Calls the quail from the cornfield, Thick with stubble set; Misty rain-clouds floating by Hide the blue of the August sky. "What does he call now, loud and plain?" _Gold Locks_--"That's a sign of rain! He calls 'More wet! more wet!'"
Pipes the quail from the fence-top, Perched there full in sight, Quaint and trim, with quick, bright eye, Almost too round and plump to fly, Whistling, calling, piping clear, "What do _I_ think he says? My dear, He says 'Do right! do right!'"
The snowflakes are drifting round windows and door; The chilly winds whistle "Remember the poor;" Remember the birds, too, out on yonder tree; I hear one just singing a Chick-a-dee-dee.
Throw out a few crumbs! you've enough and to spare; They need through the winter your kindness and care; And they will repay you with heartiest glee, By constantly singing a Chick-a-dee-dee.
Each morning you'll see them go hopping around, Though little they find on the cold frozen ground; Yet never disheartened! on each bush and tree, They merrily carol a Chick-a-dee-dee.
Oh! sweet little songster; so fearless and bold! Your little pink feet--do they never feel cold? Have you a warm shelter at night for your bed, Where under your wing you can tuck your brown head?
Though cold grows the season you seem not to care, But cheerily warble though frosty the air; Though short are the days, and the nights are so long, And most of your playmates are scattered and gone.
The snowflakes are drifting round window and door, And chilly winds whistle behind and before, Yet never discouraged, on each bush and tree, You'll hear the sweet carol of Chick-a-dee-dee.
What is the happiest morning song? The Linnet's. He warbles, blithe and free, In the sunlit top of the old elm-tree, Joyous and fresh, and hopeful and strong.
The trees are not high enough, little bird; You mount and wheel, and eddy and soar, And with every turn yet more and more Your wonderful, ravishing music is heard.