A little robin built a nest

1 A little Robin built a nest
Within a hollow tree,
Where it might lay its eggs, and rest,
From fear and danger free.

2 The old tree in a play-ground grew,
The school-house stood hard by;
And once, when Robin from it flew,
Some children saw it fly.

3 Away they ran to search the tree,
And soon the nest they found;
The little eggs--there were but three-
They broke upon the ground.

4 And, O! that pretty little nest
Of down, and moss, and hay,
Which took poor Robin weeks to make,
They tore and threw away.

5 Poor little bird! without a home!
How sad was now his song!
"What have I done? where shall I roam
From cruelty and wrong?

6 "If children, taught God's holy word--
To love what God has made--
Are cruel to a little bird,
Well may I be afraid!

7 "I nestled where they play'd and learn'd,
And sung sweet songs all day;
But all my notes of love they've spurn'd,
And driven me away."

Source: Linden Harp: a rare collection of popular melodies adapted to sacred and moral songs, original and selected. Illustrated. Also a manual of... #120a