INTERPRETATION OF NATURE 117 



Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, 



Spink, spank, spink; 

 Brood, kind creature ; you need not fear 

 Thieves and robbers while I am here. 



Chee, chee, chee. 



Modest and shy as a nun is she ; 



One weak chirp is her only note. 

 Braggart and prince of braggarts is he, 

 Pouring boasts from his httle throat : 

 Bob-o'-Hnk, bob-o'-link, 

 Spink, spank, spink ; 

 Never was I afraid of man ; 

 Catch me, cowardly knaves, if you can! 



Chee, chee, chee. 



Six white eggs on a bed of hay. 



Flecked with purple, a pretty sight 1 

 There as the mother sits all day, 



Robert is singing with all his might: 

 Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, 

 Spink, spank, spink ; 

 Nice good wife, that never goes out, 

 Keeping house while I frolic about. 



Chee, chee, chee. 



Soon as the Httle ones chip the shell. 

 Six wide mouths are open for food ; 



Robert of Lincoln bestirs him well. 

 Gathering seeds for the hungry brood. 



