Part 1 (2/2)

Well, then, the mother said, you shall, And straight the birdies all, Perched on the edge of the high nest, Beside the chestnuts tall.

Remember, said the mother bird, You must not go beyond That row of trees that skirt the edge Of the transparent pond.

For if you do you might get lost, Or drowned, and die in pain, And never to our dear home nest Return in joy again.

Well mind your orders, mother dear, And will not disagree, But do just what you tell us now, Said all the birdies three.

They hopped off on delighted wing, To the next chestnut tree, O'erjoyed and panting with delight, The great, grand world to see.

Oh! what a bright, glad scene, they cried, And what a wond'rous sky!

What joy 'twould be to kiss the Sun, And be with him on high.

And I, said Downy, I should like To sail on yonder sea, And with that pretty milk-white bird, Skim o'er the waters free.

Said Twitter, you talk very large, And do not seem to know Our little wings have not yet power Beyond these trees to go.

Besides, said Chirrup, mother said We must not go beyond, But only hop and fly about The trees that skirt the pond.

But mother's gone to get us food, And she will never know, Said Downy, so upon the pond I am resolved to go.

O fie! exclaimed the birdies both, To think of such a thing, You might get harm, and on us all Sorrow and trouble bring.

Oh, I am not a bit afraid, I feel so strong and free, And will not homeward go until I float on yonder sea.

Ah, well, said both the other two, We will not go with you, Good-bye, we will not disobey Our mother kind and true.

Off went the two obedient birds, And safely reached their nest, The little birdies' happy home Of sweet delight and rest.

Meanwhile, poor naughty Downy flew From off the chestnut tree, Away towards the milk-white bird That skimmed the waters free.

But ah! his wings were much too weak To bear him all the way, And Downy fell imploring aid From loved ones far away.

But no help came. The mother bird Was far off gathering food, From perfumed clover meadows round, For her beloved brood.

And when she reached her nest and found But two birds there alone, And heard that Downy to the pond So wilfully had flown,

Her heart, so lately full of joy, Was rent with grief and pain, For fear lest she should never see Her darling bird again.

Calling upon his name she flew, In terror, far and near, From tree to pond, from pond to tree, Seeking her birdie dear.

She called; alas, no answer came To that poor mother's cry, She searched among the sweet, wild flowers, And chestnut branches high.

At length she spied a tiny speck Beside the waters clear, It was, alas, the lifeless form Of her lost Downy dear.

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