Don't kill the birds! the little birds,That sing about your doorSoon as the joyous Spring has come,And chilling storms are o'er.The little birds! how sweet they sing!Oh, let them joyous live;And do not seek to take the lifeWhich you can never give.Don't kill the birds! the pretty birds,That play among the trees;For earth would be a cheerless place,If it were not for these.The little birds! how fond they play!Do not disturb their sport;But let them warble forth their songs,Till winter cuts them short.Don't kill the birds! the happy birds,That bless the field and grove;So innocent to look upon,They claim our warmest love.The happy birds, the tuneful birds,How pleasant 't is to see!No spot can be a cheerless placeWhere'er their presence be.
