354 Bird -Lore 



time you do, just remember what I have told you. Well, I must be going now (turns 

 away). Sorry I can't say 'good luck' to you. But — so long (walks off). 



Bobbie (stands looking thoughtfully — frowns). — Pooh! I don't believe it. All 

 fool talk. Guess I can kill birds if I want to. And I do ! There goes one now — a Red- 

 bird (lifts gun, aims, lowers it, and lifts it again — lowers it^ — lifts it again, lets it slowly 

 drop). I-I-c-c-can't. What's the matter with me anyway? (Rubs eyes with fist.) 

 What did he tell me all that for any way? 'Tisn't so! I know it isn't. Birds haven't 

 any feelings, of course they haven't. Don't I know? I'll try again. There goes a Wood- 

 pecker! I'll get him. (Lifts gun, lowers it, someone behind scene sings Nevin's 

 Woodpecker song, suddenly grins.) It got away! Good enough! Glad it did! I'd 

 get away, too, if I were a bird. I wouldn't want to be shot. No siree Bob! If I was a 

 bird — well I don't know what I would do if I was a bird — having folks kill me like that 

 (throws gun upon the ground indignantly). Don't believe I feel like killing any more 

 birds to-day. Sort of tired: believe I'll lie down and rest awhile (thrusts hands in pockets 

 and walks slowly away). 



End of Act I. 



ACT II 



Scene i. Same as Act I. 



(Enter Eagle, accompanied by Blue Jay and Owl) 

 Eagle (sternly looking around). — Where are the birds? 



Jay. — They were here, Your Majesty, but a moment ago. I sent the message 

 throughout Birdland calling all the birds to council. They came, but a wicked boy by 

 the name of Bobbie appeared among them and fired his gun, whereupon they flew away. 

 But they will return presently. (Spies gun upon the ground, stoops to pick it up and 

 hands it to Eagle.) Behold, Your Majesty, a gun, the foul and wicked instrument for 

 our destruction. The culprit must be near. 



Eagle. — 'Tis well. Go and find the wretch, and bring him hither. It is the year, 

 the night, the very hour, which gives mystic power over our enemy. He has fallen under 

 the spell. 'Tis well. (Mounts throne, sits down. Enter birds, singing, waving wings.) 

 Birds (singing). — 



Tune, 'Welcome Song' from Ira B. Wilson. 

 Welcome to our King to-day! 

 From mountain crags and far away. 

 He has come to counsel us. 

 To counsel and advise. 

 He is noble, fierce, and brave; 

 He swoops down from the skies. 

 Behold his mighty wings and claws, — 

 His flashing eyes! 

 Welcome, welcome, then, 

 Our mighty King so true. 

 Lord of air and sea and sky, 

 We welcome you. 



Eagle (addresses birds). — I have come, O birds of the forest, to preside over your 

 council of war to-day — war against our enemy, man. Although I dwell apart, far from 

 the haunts of men, among the rocks and distant mountain peaks, yet I know full well 

 the measure of your wrongs. I know what benefits you have bestowed upon them. 

 How you feed upon the worms and insects that destroy their crops whereby they live. 

 All too trustingly you have built your nests about their homes and brightened their 

 existence with [your songs. And what has been the reward? They have slain and 



