Chirrup, the eldest, quick replied,
O yes, sweet mother mine,
We'll be so glad to hop about,
And see the bright sunshine.

Twitter and Downy also said,
We, too, shall happy be,
To bask within the sun's warm rays,
And swing on branch and tree.

Well, then, the mother said, you shall,
And straight the birdies all,
Perched on the edge of the high nest,
Beside the chestnuts tall.

Remember, said the mother bird,
You must not go beyond
That row of trees that skirt the edge
Of the transparent pond.

For if you do you might get lost,
Or drowned, and die in pain,
And never to our dear home nest
Return in joy again.

Well mind your orders, mother dear,
And will not disagree,
But do just what you tell us now,
Said all the birdies three.