THE SINGING GARDEN

The Flame-Breasted Robin

Now upon the trellis sitting,
  Now along the fencetop flitting,
      Meekly modest in my attitudes and poses;
  ’Neath my breast incarnadine
  Can this midget heart of mine
      Hold one half the vanity my song discloses?

First a  nervous little flutter,
  Now a chirp and now a stutter,
      Then I lift my snow-flecked crown to the refrain
  Of my plaintive little ditty:
  “Oh, the pity! What a pity!
      Oh, and isn’t it a pity my poor Jenny is so plain!”

See, my  burning front of flame
  Puts the crimson rose to shame;
      And my singing leads the chorus of the morning;
  But my silent little mate,
  Mute upon the garden gate,
      Sober Jenny, hasn’t any such adorning.

Tho’ I’m handsomer than others,
  Do not think I boast, my brothers;
      I’m the meekest little chorister a-wing.
  Still, I’m tuneful, wise and witty,
  Can you doubt, who hears my ditty?
      “Ah, but isn’t it a pity that my Jenny cannot sing!”