He then would moan, and whistle, quack, and caw;

Then, carol, drawl, and croak,

As if he'd pass a joke

On every other winged one he saw.

Together he would catch

A gay and plaintive snatch,

And mingle notes of half the feathered throng.

For well the mocker knew,

Of every thing that flew,

To imitate the manner and the song.