So early in the morning, O

I cling and swing

On a branch, or sing

Thro' the cool, clear hush of morning, O: -

Or fling my wing

On the air, and bring

To sleepier birds a warning, O: -

That the night's in flight,

And the sun's in sight,

And the dew is the grass adorning, O:

And the green leaves swing

As I sing, sing, sing,

Up by the river,

Down the dell,

To the little wee nest,

Where the big tree fell,

So early in the morning, O:-

I flit and twit

In the sun for a bit

When his light so bright is shining, O:-

Or sit and fit

My plumes, or knit

Straw plaits for the nest's nice lining, O:-

And she with glee

Shows unto me

Underneath her wings reclining, O:

And I sing that Peg

Has an egg, egg, egg,

Up by the oatfield,

Round the mill,

Past the meadow,

Down the hill,

So early in the morning, O:-

I stoop and swoop

On the air, or loop

Thro' the trees, and then go soaring, O: -

To group with a troop

On the gusty poop

While the wind behind is roaring, O: -

I skim and swim

By a cloud's red rim,

And up to the azure flooring, O: -

And my wide wings drip

As I slip, slip, slip,

Down thro' the raindrops,

Back where Peg

Broods in the nest

On the little white egg,

So early in the morning, O -