Said the hawk unto the crow one day
Oh, how can you in mourning stay?
I was once in love but I did prove slack
And ever since I wear the black
I was once in love but I did prove slack
And ever since I wear the black

The next to speak was Willie wagtail
I was once in love but I did prevail
I was once in love but I did prevail
And ever since I wag my tail
I was once in love but I did prevail
And ever since I wag my tail

Then up and spoke the little brown thrush
She was sitting in yon holly bush
Oh, the way to love I heard them say
Is to court all night and to sleep all day

And the last to speak was Jenny wren
Do you know what I'd do if I were a man?
In case that one should wriggle and go
I'd wear two strings all upon my bow