When he heard afar a wonderful music,

A sound like a flute and the voice of a maiden,

Rippling melodies melting in one.

Never before had he heard such singing.

Then looking up he beheld before him

A beautiful merry little bird-girl,

Dressed in garments of brilliant scarlet,

Just like his own in the Indian summer.

“O fairest of small birds,” said merry Mipis,

“Who are you, and what is your name?”