STOKIES ABOUT BIRDS. 27 



You think I have never discovered your nest ; 

 'Tis hid pretty snugly, it must be confessed. 

 Ha ! ha ! how the boughs are entwined all around ! 

 No wonder you tliought it would never be found. 



You're as cunning a robin as ever I knew ; 

 And yet, ha! ha! ha! I'm as cunning as you! 

 I know all about your nice home on the tree — 

 'Twas nonsense to try to conceal it from me. 



V. 



I know — for but yestei'day I was your guest — 

 How many young robins there are in your nest ; 

 And pardon me, sir, if I venture to say, 

 They've had not a morsel of dinner to-day. 



VI. 



But you look very sad, pretty robin, I see, 



As you glance o'er the meadow, to yonder green tree: 



I fear I have thoughtlessly given you pain, 



And I will not prattle so lightly again. 



Go home, where your mate and your little ones dwell 

 Though I know where they are, yet I never will tell ; 

 Nobody shall injure that leaf-covered nest, 

 For sacred to me is the place of your rest. 



