Classic Poem

A fairy and a robin met
Beside a bed of mignonette.
The robin bowed and raised his hat,
And smiled a smile as wide as—that—
Then said: “Miss Fairy, I declare,
I'd kiss you, only I don't dare.”

The fairy curtsied low and said:
“Your breast is such a lovely red,
And you are such a handsome thing,
And, oh, such pretty songs you sing—
I'd gladly kiss you now, but I
May only kiss a butterfly.”

The robin spoke a silly word:
“I'm sorry I was born a bird!
Were I a fairy-man instead,
Then you and I might some day wed.”
The fairy laughed and said: “My dear,
God had to have some robins here.

“Be glad you're what you are and sing
And cheer the people in the Spring.
I play with children as I'm told,
But you bring joy to young and old,
And it seems always strange to me
I'm one the old folks never see.”

The robin spoke: “Perhaps it's best.
I'll sing my songs and show my breast
And be a robin, and you stay
And share in all the children's play.
God needs us both, so let us try
To do our duty—you and I.”

How do I know they said these things?
I saw the robin spread his wings,
I saw the fairy standing up
Upon a golden buttercup,
I hid myself behind a wall
And listened close and heard it all.