Lapwing and Ringdove

The common people in the North Riding of Yorkshire, says Brockett, ii. 71, believe that at one period the cushat, or ringdove, laid its eggs upon the ground, and that the peewit, or lapwing, made its nest on high; but that some time or other, an amicable arrangement took place between these birds, exchanging their localities for building. The peewit accordingly expresses its disappointment at the bargain as follows:

Pee-wit, pee-wit,
I coup’d my nest and I rue it.

While the cushat rejoices that she is out of the reach of mischievous boys,—

Coo, coo, come now,
Little lad
With thy gad,
Come not thou!