62

DON'T KILL THE BIRDS.

By Daniel Clement Colesworthy.

DON'T kill the birds --- the little birds
That sing about your door,
Soon as the joyous spring has come,
And chilling storms are o'er.
The little birds, how sweet they sing !
Oh ! let them joyous live ;
And never seek to take the life
That you can never give.

Don't kill the birds --- the pretty birds
That play among the trees :
'Twould make the earth a cheerless place,
Should we dispense with these.
The little birds --- how fond they play !
Do not disturb their sport ;
But let them warble forth their songs
Till winter cuts them short.

Don't kill the birds --- the happy birds
That bless the field and grove :
So innocent to look upon,
They claim our warmest love.
The happy birds, the tuneful birds,
How pleasant 'tis to see !
No spot can be a cheerless place
Where'er their presence be.