The Sparrows Nest

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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 friends

See, 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

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 ease

Was fashioned out of things like these!

Think, had these odds and ends been brought

To 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 bring You 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 contrive

A 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 been Ne'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, taught

This skill beyond your reach of thought.

And here, in this uncostly nest,