THE MAGPIE 
We are named Magpies ; bird-folk that are 
By some considered singular ; 
But in our homes we do not call 
Our family singular at all. 
True ; one peculiarity I’ll mention 
That may be worthy your attention : 
Sometimes wc use men’s words, although 
What the words mean we do not know 1 
This is because, when we are tamed. 
We often hear such words exclaimed, 
And pick them up, for in that stat® 
We dearly love to imitate. 
A charge mankind against us brings 
Is that we like to steal bright things ; 
But we do not know what is stealing ; 
Is it admiring and concealing ! 
On second thoughts, perhaps you’ll let 
Us say no more, being young as yet ; 
In truth we may be birds that are 
At times a little singular. 
When Baby Magpie first peeps out of the 
shell he finds himself in one of the most cleverly- 
built nests that a young bird could have. 
Whatever her faults may be, and even her best 
friend must own that she has many, Mrs. Magpie is 
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