A Bird Story

It's strangc how little boys' mothers Can una it all out as tlicy do If a fellow does anything naughty Or says anything that's not truc I TheyHl look at you just a moment TUI your heart in your bosom swells, And then they know all about it- Fora little bird tellsl Now whcre the little bird comes írom, Or where the little bird goes If he's covercd with beauuful plumage Or black as the klng of crows, If his voice is as hoarse as a raven Or clear as the ringing of bells. I know not- but this I am sure of - A little bird tells I The moment you thiflk a thing wicked, The moment you do u thing bad, Are angry or sullen or hateful, Get ugly Or stupid or mad, Or tease a dear brother or sister That instant your sentence he knells, And the whole to mamma in a minute That little bird tells ! You may be in the depths of a closet Where nobody sees but a mpuse l You may be all alone in the cellar, You may bc on the top of the house, You may be in the dark and the silence, Or out in the woods and the dells- No matter I Wherever it happens. The little bird tells I And the only contrivancc to stop him Is just to bc sure what to say - ; Sure of your acts and your faneïes, Sure of your work and your play; Bc honest, be brave and be kindly, Iïe gentle and loving as wcll, And then - you can laugh at the slorics The little bird tells I