Robert of Lincoln

ERRILY swinging on brier and weed, Near to the nest of his little dame, Over the mountain-side or mead, Robert of Lincoln is telling his name. Bob-o' -link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, Snug and safe is this nest of ours, Hidden among the summer flowers. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln is gayly dressed, Wearing a bright, black wedding-coat ; White are his shoulders, and white his crest, Hear him call in his merry note, Bob-o' -link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, Look what a nice, new coat is mine; Sure there was never abird so fine. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife, Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings, Passing at home a patient life, Broods in the grass while her husband sings Bob-o'-link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, Brood, kind creature, you need not fear Thieves and robbers while I am here. Chee, chee, chee. ROBERT OF LINCOLN Modest and shy as a nun is she ; One weak chirp is her only note ; Braggart, and prince of braggarts is he, Pouring boasts from his little throat, Bob-o' - link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, Never was I afraid of man, Catch me, cowardly knaves, if you can. Chee, chee, chee. Six white eggs on abed of hay, Flecked with purple, apretty sight : There as the mother sits all day, Robert is singing with all his might, Bob-o'-link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, Nice good wife that never goes out, Keeping house while I frolic about. Chee, chee, chee. Soon as the little ones chip the shell, Six wide mouths are open for food ; Robert of Lincoln bestirs him well, Gathering seeds for the hungry brood. Bob-o' -link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, This new life is likely to be Hard for a gay young fellow like me. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln at length is made Sober with work, and silent with care, TO THE LADY-BIRD Off is his holiday garment laid, Half forgotten that merry air, Bob-o' -link, bob-o' -link, Spink, spank, spink, Nobody knows but my mate and I, Where our nest and our nestlings lie. Chee, chee, chee. Summer wanes; the children are grown; Fun and frolic no more he knows, Robert of Lincoln's a hum-drum drone; Off he flies, and we sing as he goes, Bob-o' -link, bob-o' - link, Spink, spank, spink, Whenyou can pipe that merry old strain, Robert of Lincoln, come back again. Chee, chee, chee.