Parrot

Captain, how you talk! we Parrots love each other— There you shot dozens of us,—my father and my mother,— I shall not forget it in a hurry,—what wailing and crying,— What flying round and round there was! What comforting the dying! You, yourself, laid down your gun,—overcome by the sight, And said you would not shoot again, at least that night! Heigh-ho! I am just ready to cry! And I think I shall cry before I have done! (She cries like a child.) There, now, I am better! but my throat is quite hot; Can’t I have a glass of water?—(She coughs.) Bless me, what a cold I’ve got! Do, shut that window, Jenny, or we shall all die of cold; And mend the fire, can’t you, as you already have been told! And let’s have a cup of tea, for I’m just tired to death. What a shocking cold it is! and I’m so short of breath!—(She coughs again.) (She speaks in another voice.) Tea’s ready, if you please. Ready is it? With the water in the pot? Yes, ma’am: Well, then, I’ll go and have my tea, while the muffin’s hot!