The Robins
I
(A child is heard singing “Chee-ree! Cheer-up.” Looking about, this way and that, mother sings.)
O, hark! that was a robin!
I know his note of cheer!
I’ve heard the dear “first robin,”
And know that spring is here!—O, hark!
(Child enters, singing.)
Chee-ree, cheer-up! cheer-up, chee-ree!
Cheer, cheer-you-up! cheer-you-up!
II
(Mother sings.)
And fast new robins follow,
New robins every day!
O, hark, and hear them whistle
Their cheerful, joyful lay!—O, hark!
(Children enter, singing robin refrain.)
III
(Mother sings.)
These pretty, singing red-breasts
Are trustful little dears;
They come and build their dwellings
By ours, and feel no fears.—O, hark!
(Children sing robin refrain.)
IV
(Mother sings.)
They go about the garden,
And stroll upon the grass,
And perk their little black caps
Up at us as they pass.—O, hark!
(Children sing robin refrain.)
V
(Mother sings.)
There flies a mother robin
Up in the apple tree!
See! o’er a nest she hovers
Where her wee birdlings be.—O, hark!
(Children sing robin refrain.)
VI
(Mother sings.)
Of all the birds, dear robin,
’Tis you are loved the best,
Because you have, sweet robin,
A warm heart in your breast.—O, hark!
(Children sing robin refrain.)
I’s a-runnin’ away,
I is, I is;
I’s a-goin’ to stay,
I is, I is,
Wiv my gamma all day,
I is, I is!
M. Dunleath.