A First Series of Hymns and Songs/Descriptive Songs/The Cuckoo (III.)
48. The Cuckoo.
Now the sun is in the west,
Sinking slow behind the trees,
And the cuckoo, welcome guest,
Gently woos the ev'ning breeze.
Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
Gently woos the ev'ning breeze.
Sportive now the swallows play,
Lightly skimming o'er the brook;
Darting swift they wing their way.
Homeward to their peaceful nook;
Whilst the cuckoo, bird of spring,
Still amidst the trees doth sing,
Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
Still amidst the trees doth sing.
Cheerful see yon shepherd-boy,
Climbing up the craggy rocks;
As he views the dappled sky,
Pleas'd the cuckoo's note he mocks.
Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
Pleas'd the cuckoo's note he mocks.
Now advancing o'er the plain,
Ev'ning's dusky shades appear,
And the cuckoo's voice again
Gently steals upon mine ear;
While retiring from the view,
Thus she bids the day adieu:
Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
Thus she bids the day adieu.