SONG OF THE SNOW-BIRD.

I.

The ground was all cover'd with snow one day, And two little sisters were busy at play, When a snow-bird was sitting close by on a tree, And merrily singing his chick-a-de-de, Chick-a-de-de, Chick-a-de-de, And mer-ri-ly sing-ing his chick-a-de-de.

THE SISTERS AND THE SNOW-BIRD.

II.

He had not been singing that tune very long, Ere Emily heard him, so loud was his song.— "O sister! look out of the window," said she; "Here's a dear little bird, singing chick-a-de-de. Chick-a-de-de, &c.

III.

"Poor fellow! he walks in the snow and the sleet, And has neither stockings nor shoes on his feet; I pity him so! how cold he must be! And yet he keeps singing his chick-a-de-de. Chick-a-de-de, &c.

IV.

"If I were a barefooted snow-bird, I know I would not stay out in the cold and the snow.— I wonder what makes him so full of his glee; He's all the time singing that chick-a-de-de. Chick-a-de-de, &c.

V.

"O mother! do get him some stockings and shoes, And a nice little frock, and a hat, if he choose; I wish he'd come into the parlor, and see How warm we would make him, poor chick-a-de-de." Chick-a-de-de, &c.

VI.

The bird had flown down for some pieces of bread, And heard every word little Emily said; "How queer I would look hi that dress!" thought he; And he laughed, as he warbled his chick-a-de-de. Chick-a-de-de, &c.

VII.

"I'm grateful," he said, "for the wish you express, But I've no occasion for such a fine dress; I had rather remain with my limbs all free, Than to hobble about, singing chick-a-de-de. Chick-a-de-de, &c.

VIII.

"There is ONE, my dear child, tho' I cannot tell who, Has clothed me already, and warm enough too— Good morning! O, who are so happy as we?"— And away he went, singing his chick-a-de-de. Chick-a-de-de, &c.