THE HANG-BIRD'S NEST.


 


 


CRADLE SONG.


 


 


ROCK-A-BY, birdies, upon the elm-tree,


Where the long limbs wave gently and free;


Tough as a bow-string, and drooping and small,


Nothing can break them to give you a fall.


 


Rock-a-by, birdies, along with the breeze,


All the leaves over you humming like bees;


High away, low away, come again, go!


Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low


Wonder how papa-bird braided that nest,


Binding the twigs about close to his breast?


Wonder how many there are in your bed,


Bonny swing-cradle hung far overhead?


 


Never mind, birdies, how lightly it swings,


Mother-bird covers you close with her wings.


High away, low away, come again, go!


Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!


 


Rock-a-by, birdies, there's no one to tire;


Mother rides with you; her wings are like fire;


All the bright feathers are 'round you so warm;


Rain cannot reach you and wind cannot harm.


 


Pretty bird-babies, let baby go swing


In your high cradle, while mamma shall sing:


High away, low away, come again, go!


Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!


 


 


Geo. S. Barleigh.