146 BIRD STORIES FROM BURROUGHS 



Noisy, scheming, and predacious, 

 With demeanor almost gracious, 



Dowered with leisure, void of hurry, 

 Void of fuss and void of worry, 



Friendly bandit, Robin Hood, 

 Judge and jury of the wood, 



Or Captain Kidd of sable quill, 

 Hiding treasures in the hill, 



Nature made thee for each season, 

 Gave thee wit for ample reason, 



Good crow wit that's always burnished 

 Like the coat her care has furnished. 



May thy numbers ne'er diminish ! 

 I'll befriend thee till life's finish. 



May I never cease to meet thee ! 

 May I never have to eat thee ! 



And mayest thou never have to fare so 

 That thou playest the part of scarecrow ! 



