CHIPPING-BIRDS' SONG.
Reading edition
"Chipper, chipper, clear the way; We must be at work to-day. See us swiftly fly along, Hear our bursts of merry song. Watch me in my busy flight, Glancing in your window bright; Save your bits of yarn for me, Just think what a help 'twould be!"
"Chip, chip, chipper!" How he sings, As he comes for shreds and strings, Which he is not slow to see, From the budding lilac-tree! Now with cunning, saucy pranks, See him nod his hearty thanks: "These are just the thing," sings he; "Truly you are helping me!" "Chipper, chipper!" See him go; Now 'tis fast, and now 'tis slow; Working ever at the nest, Never stopping once to rest; Getting little straws and strings For his good wife, while he sings, "Chip, chip, chipper, gay are we; See us in the lilac-tree!" "Chipper, chipper," all day long; Thus I hear his tuneful song, Meaning, as he flutters past, Gayly warbling, working fast, "I can't stop to talk to you; I have got my work to do: Chip, chip, chipper, clear the way; We shall finish up to-day."
Annie A. Preston.
