The first bird heard this. He was a wood-thrush. "Do you think we can believe that?" he asked of his friend, who was a vireo.

"It is as well to watch them," said the vireo. "I lost some eggs once."

"Listen to them," said the wood-thrush. "They are trying to sing, too."

"Birds of air, O, list to me,

I am searching for a key

Golden as the silky curl

Growing on this little girl.

If you'll give the key to me

I'll give you the curl, you see;

Curls are soft and are the best