The Moving Of The Nest

Do not ask me why? or how?-- All in Fairyland it chanced, As the leaves upon the bough In the autumn breezes danced!

"Quip-a-quip-a-quip-a-queer!" Said the Thrush unto his mate. "We must soon be gone from here; No one else would stay so late!"

Do not ask me why? or how?-- But his mate did sorely grieve: "My dear nest upon this bough It will break my heart to leave!"

Do not ask me how? or why?-- But the thrush's children, too, Perched around, began to cry, "Oh, whatever shall we do?"

"Cheep-a-cheep-a-cheep-a-cheer! Never such a nest as ours; We would rather have it, here, Than Bermuda and the flowers!"

"Cheep-a-cheep-a-cheep-a-cheer," Pleaded then the thrush's mate: "Let us take the nest, my dear, It is light and we are eight!"

(Do not ask me why? or how?--) But the thrushes, with a cheer, Took that nest from off the bough-- "Quip-a-quip-a-quip-a-queer!

"Quip-a-quip-a-quip-a-queer! Firmly, now, with beak and claw; Spread your wings, and never fear,-- You to push, and you to draw!"

So the thrushes took their nest, Every one his strength applied; But the youngest 'twas thought best Should be snugly tucked inside.

All in Fairyland it chanced! There is nothing more to say; Ere the morn was far advanced, They were miles and miles away!