The Squirrel

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Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

1. “Little Squirrel, living there
In the hollow tree,
I’ve a pretty cage for you;
Come and live with me!
You may turn the little wheel—
That will be great fun!
Slowly round, or very fast
If you faster run.”

2. “Little Squirrel, I will bring
In my basket here
Every day a feast of nuts!
Come then, squirrel dear.”
But the little squirrel said
From his hollow tree:
“Oh! no, no! I’d rather far
Live here and be free.”

3. So my cage is empty yet
And the wheel is still;
But my little basket here
Oft with nuts I fill.
If you like, I’ll crack the nuts,
Some for you and me,
For the squirrel has enough
In his hollow tree.

“Little brown sparrows,
Flying around,
Up in the tree-tops,
Down on the ground,

“Come to my window,
Dear sparrows, come!
See! I will give you
Many a crumb.

“Here is some water,
Sparkling and clear;
Come, little sparrows,
Drink without fear.

“If you are tired,
Here is a nest;
Wouldn’t you like to
Come here to rest?”

All the brown sparrows
Flutter away,
Chirping and singing,
“We cannot stay;

“For in the tree-tops,
’Mong the gray boughs,
There is the sparrows’
Snug little house.”