Hang-bird’s Nest, The

Rock-a-by, birdies, upon the elm-tree, 
Where the long limbs wave gently and free;
Tough as a bow-string, and drooping and small,
Nothing can break them to give you a fall:
Rock-a-by, birdies, along with the breeze,
All the leaves over you humming like bees;
High away, low away, come again, go!
Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!
Wonder how papa-bird braided that nest,
Binding the twigs about close to his breast;
Wonder how many there are in your bed,
Bonny swing-cradle hung far over-head.

Never mind, birdies, how lightly it swings, 
Mother-bird covers you close with her wings.
High away, low away, come again, go!
Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!

Rock-a-by, birdies, there's no one to tire;
Mother rides with you; her wings are like fire;
All the bright feathers are round you so warm;
Rain cannot reach you and wind cannot harm;
Pretty bird-babies, let baby go swing 
In your high cradle while mamma shall sing:
High away, low away, come again, go!
Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!