It darts its black head under its wing,

And moistens its beak in—darling thing!—

A human heart that is broken with shame.

Then this cherished bird its song begins—

Always begins its song one way—

With two little dulcet words, They Say,

Carolled in such a charming way

That the listener's heart it surely wins.

This sweetest of songsters sits beside

Every hearth in this Christian land,