23. At the first leaf she grew pale enough, 24." Good counsel gave the bird," said she; For they sing to my very heart," she said, 25. She brought to him her beauty and truth, And he made her queen of the broader lands WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. Born 1794-Died 1878. ROBERT OF LINCOLN. 1. Merrily swinging on brier and weed, Spink, spank, spink ; Snug and safe is that nest of ours, 2. Robert of Lincoln is gaily drest, Wearing a bright black wedding-coat; White are his shoulders and white his crest, Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Look what a nice new coat of mine, Sure there was never a bird so fine. Chee, chee, chee. 1 Bob-o'-link, the popular name of the rice-bird in the New England States. 3. Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife, Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings, Broods in the grass while her husband sings: Spink, spank, spink ; Brood, kind creature; you need not fear 4. Modest and shy as a nun is she, Spink, spank, spink; Never was I afraid of man; Catch me, cowardly knaves, if you can! 5. Six white eggs on a bed of hay, Flecked with purple, a pretty sight! Spink, spank, spink ; Nice good wife that never goes out, 6. Soon as the little ones chip the shell, Spink, spank, spink; This new life is likely to be Hard, for a gay young fellow like me. 7. Robert of Lincoln at length is made Sober with work, and silent with care; 8. Off is his holiday garment laid, Half forgotten that merry air: Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Nobody knows but my mate and I 9. Summer wanes; the children are grown ; Fun and frolic no more he knows ; Robert of Lincoln's a humdrum crone; Off he flies, and we sing as he goes: Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; When you can pipe that merry old strain, |