124 THE SWALLOW 



Then they invite the bird to come and 

 build her home in the eaves of their houses, 

 promising her to care for. her young : — 



0-swallow, little swallow, 



Welcome as you now appear ! 



The snow has gone from off our mountains, 



Winter's ended, spring is here, 



With all its little flowers and sun, 



Because of your return. 



Build your nest beneath my window, 

 Wake me with your morning song, 

 And I'll give you and your nestlings 

 Food for all the summer long. 



swallow, little swallow, 

 Welcome, as to us you come ! 



But these promises are not always kept, for 

 from Spain there comes to our ears the bird's 

 wail of anguish over a wanton injury to her 

 new nest. The wicked one tells us himself: — 



To St. Felix, on the way, 



I met a swallow one bright day ; 

 Her little nest was nearly done, 



When with my sword point, just for fun, 



1 struck away the tiny thing. 



You should have heard her loud wail ring ! 



