"Well, Friend,—so here's a new September,

As fine a first as I remember;

And, thanks to such an early Spring,

Plenty of birds, and strong on wing."

"Birds!" cried the little crusty chap,

As sharp and sudden as a snap,

"A weasel suck them in the shell!

What matter birds, or flying well,

Or fly at all, or sporting weather,

If fools with guns can't hit a feather!"