The Woody Queristers  

When Birds could speak, and Women they,  
Had neither good nor ill to say?  
The pretty Birds filled with pain,  
Did to each other, thus Complain.   
To the Tune of, The Bird-Catchers Delight.  
 

OH! says the Cuckcow, loud and stout,  
I fly the Conntry round about:  
While other Birds my young-ones feed  
And I myself do stand in need.   

Then says the Sparrow on her nest,  
I loved a Lass but it was in jest  
And ever since that self same thing,  
I made a vow I near would sing.   

In comes the Robin and thus he said,  
I loved once a well favoured maid:  
Her beauty kindled such a spark▪  
That on my breast I bear the mark.   

Then said the Lark upon the grass,  
I loved once a well favoured Lass,  
But she would not hear her true love sing  
Though he had a voice would please a King   

Then said the Blackbird as he fled,  
I loved one but she is dead:  
And ever since my Love I do lack,  
This is the cause I mourn in Black.   

Then said the bonny Nightingale.  
Thus I must end my mournful tale:  
While others sing, I sit and mourn,  
Leaning my breast against a thorn.   
 
 

Gh! says the Water-wag-tail then,  
I ne'er shall be myself again,  
I loved one, but could not prevail,  
And this is the cause I wag my tail.   

Then said the pretty coloured Jay,  
My dearest Love is fled away:  
And in remembrance of my dear,  
A Feather of every sort I wear.   

Then said the Leather-winged Batt,  
Mind but my tale, and i'll tell you what,  
Is the cause I do fly by night:  
Because I lost my heart's delight.   

Then said the Green-Bird as she flew,  
I loved one that proved untrue,  
And since she can no more be seen,  
Like a Lovesick made I turn so green,   

Then did begin the Chattering Swallow  
My Love she is fled, but I would not follow  
And now upon the Chimney high▪  
I sing forth my poor melody.   

Oh! says the Owl, my love is gone,  
That I so much did dote upon:  
I know not how my love to follow,  
But after her I hoop and hollow.   

Then says the Lapwing, as she flies,  
I search the Meadows and the Skies  
But cannot find my Love again,  
So about I fly in deadly pain.   

Then said the Thrush, I squeak and sing  
Which doth to me no comfort bring.  
For oftentime I at midnight,  
Record my Love and hearts Delight.   

The Canary-Bird she then comes in,  
To tell her tale she doth begin:  
I am of my dearest Love bereft,  
So I have my own Country left.   

The Chafinch than gins to squeak,  
For Love quoth he, my heart will break  
I grieve so for my only dear,  
I sing but two mounths in a year.   

Then quoth the Magpie. I was crossed,  
In Love and now my Dear is lost:  
And wanting of my heart's Delight,  
I mourn for him in Black and White.   

Oh! says the Rook and eke the Crow,  
The Reason why in Black we go:  
It is because we are forsaken,  
Come pity us poor Crow and Rook.   

The Bulfinch he was in a rage.  
And nothing could his wrath assuage;  
So in the woods, he would not Dwell,  
But spend his time in lonesome Cell.   

Thus you do hear the Birds complaint,  
Taking Delight in their Restraint:  
Let this to all a pattern be,  
For to Delight in Constancy.