The Audubon Societies 359 



Raven. — Nevermore ! Nevermore ! Nevermore ! 

 Bobbie. — Yes, that's right, Mr. Raven, never, nevermore ! 



Dove. — And so, Your Majesty, you see, the birds make common cause with man. 

 It is peace, good-will between us. 



Eagle (haughtily). — Not so ! Never do I enter into peace with man. Too often has 

 he tricked, deceived, beguiled us. I trust him not. Be friends with him if you will, but 

 as for me, I wing my flight back to the distant mountain peaks, among the rocks and 

 crags, where the sound of gun and voice of man is never heard, there to live in peace and 

 solitude. But, ye birds of the fields and forest, it is for you to decide for yourselves. 

 What says the Owl, wisest of the birds? „ 



Owl. — To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo-oo-oo-oo! 

 Wren (distressed, runs out to middle of stage). — Oh, dear! O, dear! I can't under- 

 stand a single word he says. 

 Jay. — Be still, foolish one! 



Wren (saucily). — I don't care. I want to know. Che, che, che, che. (Jay forces 

 Wren back to place.) 



Bobbie. — O, I'll tell you what he says. I understand him perfectly. He says, 

 'Bobbie is all right! Bobbie is your friend. You let Bobbie go, and he will prove his 

 friendship always." 



Robin. — Yes, of course. Just what I thought. I understood him all the time. 

 Martin. — So did I. 

 Birds.— So did I ! So did I ! So did I ! 



Dove (bowing before throne). — You see. Your Majesty, the birds are all for peace. 

 They entreat you, everyone. Behold the Bluebirds, they come to plead for peace. 

 (Enter from lo to 20 Bluebirds in drill, or dance, before throne.) 

 Dove. — Behold the Redbirds; they, too, ask for peace. 



(Enter from 10 to 20 Redbirds in drill, or dance, before throne.) 

 Dove. — Behold the Orioles; they, too, ask for peace. 

 (Enter Orioles, dance or drill.) 

 (Other songs, dances, or drills may be here introduced.) 

 Dove (approaches throne, addresses Eagle). — And so you see, O King, the birds 

 are all for peace. Then let us make a compact of friendship that shall endure forever. 

 A compact of love and confidence 'twixt birds and man. 



(Turns to audience, recites.) 

 Since time began, 'tis our mission here, 

 To give pleasure to man, to gladden and cheer, 

 To comfort, inspire, and ever bless. 

 And give to him the highest of happiness; 

 To lure him away from the haunts of care, 

 To God's own Temple of the Woods, and there 

 Whilst all in Nature so joyous sings. 

 To lift his thoughts to higher things, 

 To birds and flowers and starry skies. 

 And all the mystery that round him lies; 

 To hear the music of rustling leaves^ 

 The vague wind sighing among the trees, 

 The plaintive notes of the Mourning Dove, 

 The Cardinal's song to his lady-love, 

 The evening chant of the Whip-poor-will, 

 And all birds' songs that to rapture thrill. 

 And so, with Nature's balm refreshed. 

 He will find at last, that perfect rest. 



