Lesson:

1. The ground was all covered with snow one day,


And two little sisters were busy at play,


When a snowbird was sitting close by on a tree,


And merrily singing his chick-a-de-dee.





2. He had not been singing that tune very long


Ere Emily heard him, so loud was his song;


'O sister, look out of the window!' said she;


'Here's a dear little bird singing chick-a-de-dee.





3. 'Poor fellow! he walks in the snow and the sleet,


And has neither stockings nor shoes on his feet:


I wonder what makes him so full of his glee;


He's all the time singing his chick-a-de-dee.





4. 'If I were a barefooted snowbird, I know,


I would not stay out in the cold and the snow;


I pity him so! oh, how cold he must be!


And yet he keeps singing his chick-a-de-dee.





5. 'O mother; do get him some stockings, and shoes,


And a nice little frock, and a hat if he choose:


I wish he'd come into the parlor, and see


How warm we would make him, poor chick-a-de-dee!'





6. The bird had flown down for some sweet crumbs of bread,


And heard every word little Emily said:


'What a figure I'd make in that dress' thought he,


And laughed as he warbled his chick-a-de-dee.





7. 'I am grateful,' said he, 'for the wish you express,


But have no occasion for such a fine dress;


I rather remain with my little limbs free,


Than to hobble about, singing chick-a-de-dee.





8. 'There is One, my dear child, though I cannot tell who,


Has clothed me already, and warm enough, too.


Good morning! Oh, who are so happy as we?'


And away he flew, singing his chick-a-de-dee.





F. C. Woodworth.





DEFINITIONS


1. Chickadedee: An imitation of the notes of the snowbird.


6. Figure: Shape, appearance.


7. Express: Make known, declare.


7. Hobble: To walk with a hitch or hop.