Dialogue Between a Child and Bird

Little bird, little bird, come to me! / I have a green cage ready for thee; / Many bright flowers I'll bring to you, / And fresh ripe cherries, all wet with dew.

Thanks, little stranger, for all thy care, / But dearly I love the clear cool air; / And my snug little nest on the old oak tree, / Is better than a golden cage to me.

Little bird, little bird, where wilt thou go / When the fields are all buried in snow? / The ice will cover the old oak tree-- / Little bird, little bird, stay with me.

No, little stranger, God guides me, / Over the hills and over the sea-- / I would be free as the morning air, / Chasing the sunshine everywhere.