114 THE CUCKOO. 
The water-hens hear it, the rail and the smew, 
And they say,—‘‘ Why on land there’s a pretty 
to-do! 
Sure the Cuckoo’s come back, what else can 
be the matter? 
The pyes and the jays are all making a 
clatter!” 
‘Hark! hark!’ says the woodcock, ‘“ I hear 
him myself, 
Shouting up in the elm-tree, the comical elf!” 
“ Hark! hark!’’ cries the widgeon, ‘‘ and I hear 
him too, 
Shouting loudly as ever, that self-same Cuckoo !” 
*¢ Well, well,’ says the wild duck, ‘‘ what is 
it to us; 
I’ve no spite ’gainst the Cuckoo; why make 
such a fuss? 
Let him shout as he listeth—he comes over sea— 
And his French may be French, ‘tis no matter 
“2% me; 
I have no spite against him, my soul’s not so 
narrow, 
I leave all such whims to the tomtit and spar- 
row!” 
