THE REDBREAST. 45 



Once the minstrel boy was seen, 



Wandering through these valleys green : 



Silent is the minstrel's lay, 



The minstrel race have pass'd away ; 

 But still the golden oriole flies, 

 And " Louisat bonne metises" he cries. 



'Tis a pleasant life he leads, 



In the orchards, groves, and meads ; 



Richly does the oriole fare, 



On the fruits he gathers there ; 



While far on golden wing he flies, 

 And " Louisat bonne menses," he cries. 



When the winter strips the meads, 



Unto milder climes he speeds : 



With the balmy gales of spring, 



Back he comes on golden wing, 



Then through the land again he flies, 

 And " Louisat bonne metises" he cries. 



ORDER PASSERES. 



Robin Redbreast. 

 Motacilla rubecula. LINN. Sylvia rubecula. LATHAM. 



THIS little bird, so well known, and so universal 

 a favourite, needs no description. In summer 

 he is seldom seen, but when winter has stripped 

 the woods of their foliage, and the fields of their 

 flowers, then he makes his appearance, and cheers 



