The Snowbird's Song

  The ground was all covered with snow one day,   And two little sisters were busy at play,   When a snowbird was sitting close by on a tree,   And merrily singing his chick-a-de-dee,                Chick-a-de-dee, chick-a-de-dee,   And merrily singing his chick-a-de-dee.   He had not been singing that tune very long,   Ere Emily heard him, so loud was his song:   "Oh, sister, look out of the window," said she;   "Here's a dear little bird singing chick-a-de-dee.               Chick-a-de-dee, etc.   "Oh, mother, do get him some stockings and shoes,   And a nice little frock, and a hat if he choose;   I wish he'd come into the parlor and see   How warm we would make him, poor chick-a-de-dee."             Chick-a-de-dee, etc.   "There is one, my dear child, though I cannot tell who,   Has clothed me already, and warm enough too.   Good morning! Oh, who are so happy as we?"   And away he went singing his chick-a-de-dee.           Chick-a-de-dee, etc. FRANCIS C. WOODWORTH