102 OUR NATIVE BIRDS 



Please, graciously hear our pleadings, 

 This is what the birds have to say : 



In your blessed land of freedom 

 We have lived for years and years, 

 Long before the white man came here, 

 We have played in wood and glen, 

 Since the days of Pilgrim Fathers 

 We have been the farmer's friends ; 

 But we have most grievous charges 

 'Gainst him who ought to protect us. 

 For five hundred thousand beetles 

 He will not ten berries pay; 

 We should catch all caterpillars, 

 But should not touch grain or corn. 

 Please make him to plant some bushes, 

 Tell him not to cut old trees. 

 Willingly he pays your taxes, 

 Please tell him to pay us ours, 

 Ask him not to house the sparrows ; 

 And to kill bird-eating cats, 

 All cats, roaming in the woodland, 

 All cats that do climb our trees. 



Uncle Sam 



[To a boy dressed as farmer or gardener. Uncle Sam speaks 

 harshly, his right hand on a gun, musket, or sword.] 



Now, old fellow, you pay your taxes ; 



Go home, don't growl at the birds, send me your bad 



cats! 

 [The farmer leaves.] 



