The Going of the Swallows
What does disturb the Swallows?
They come from everywhere!
Criss-cross, zig-zag, and circle,
Like bees they fill the air—
What is it, little Swallows?
(Children sing:)
We have had word,
Each little bird,
To gather
Together!
(Mother sings:)
What was the word, O Swallows,
That it disturbs you so,
That all day long in trouble
You hurry to and fro?
What is it, little Swallows?
(Children sing:)
We have had word,
Each little bird,
Of blowing!
Of snowing!
(Mother sings:)
Ah, ’tis the winter-warning!
No Swallow will delay!
You’ll take to-night the long-flight,
A thousand miles away,
To find the sunny Southland!
(Children sing:)
Goeth each bird,
As it hath word,
From Northland
To Southland!
Goodbye, then, little Swallows!
Safe fly you, little band!
A happy winter to you
Down in the southern land!
But come again, dear Swallows!
(Children sing:)
Yea—when each bird
Heareth the word
To fly forth
And fly North!