Nay, only look what I have found!A Sparrow's nest upon the ground;A Sparrow's nest as you may see,Blown out of yonder old elm tree.
And what a medley thing it is!I never saw a nest like this, --Not neatly wove with decent care,Of silvery moss and shining hair;
But put together, odds and ends,Picked up from enemies and friendsSee, bits of thread, and bits of rag,Just like a little rubbish-bag!
Here is a scrap of red and brown,Like the old washer-woman's gown;And here is muslin, pink and green,And bits of calico between;
O never thinks the lady fair,As she goes by with mincing air,How the pert Sparrow over-head,Has robbed her gown to make its bed!
See, hair of dog and fur of cat,And rovings of a worsted mat,And shreads of silks, and many a feather,Compacted cunningly together.
Well, here has hoarding been and hiving,And not a little good contriving,Before a home of peace and easeWas fashioned out of things like these!
Think, had these odds and ends been broughtTo some wise man renowned for thought,Some man, of men a very gem,Pray what could he have done with them ?
If we had said, "Here, sir, we bringYou many a worthless little thing,Just bits and scraps, so very small,That they have scarcely size at all;
"And out of these, you must contriveA dwelling large enough for five;Neat, warm, and snug; with comfort stored;Where five small things may lodge and board."
How would the man of learning vast,Have been astonished and aghast;And vowed, that such a thing had beenNe'er heard of, thought of, much less seen,
Ah! man of learning, you are wrong;Instinct is, more than wisdom, strong;And He who made the Sparrow, taughtThis skill beyond your reach of thought.
And here, in this uncostly nest,These little creatures have been blest;Nor have kings known in palaces,Half their contentedness in this --Poor simple dwelling as it is!
