THE HONEY-CUCKOO. 



Oh ! linger not, hunters, the way is long ; 

 Come follow me swiftly the woods among : 

 Wherever the golden honey is stored, 

 I will guide your steps to the secret hoard ; 

 For the wild bee's path through the sky I can trace, 

 And I follow the flight of their airy race. 

 Give heed to my notes, so shrill and clear : 

 Come follow the honey -bird, cheer, cheer, cheer. 



And now let the foot of the hunter rest, 

 For we pause at last by the wild bee's nest. 

 Lo ! here is honey enough and to spare : 

 Then refuse not your winged guide his share. 

 So the signal cry of your herald-bird, 

 Morning and evening shall duly be heard. 

 Give heed to my note, so shrill and clear : 

 Come follow the hone}'-bird, cheer, cheer, cheer. 



