I thought I could have trusted him,
For he, as you well know,
Promised me very faithfully
Not from these trees to go.

I want you both, my birdies dear,
To learn from this to see
How lying disobedience
Will ever punished be.

So take a lesson from it, dears,
And be resolved that you
Will never disobey or lie,
Whatever else you do.

O yes, we'll try our very best,
Your orders to obey,
And always strive to tell the truth,
Whether at work or play.

Dear children who may hear this tale,
You, too, should also try
To do whatever you are told,
And never tell a lie.

* * * * *