Page:Morning-Glories and Other Stories.djvu/179

168 "Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say, Brooding there on high,— Sea-weed beneath us. Above us the sky.

Oh! happy is the life of a beach-bird free, Playing our blithe games By the sounding sea. High o'er the billows, In gay flocks we sail. Kissed by the cool spray, Ruffled by the gale, Watching the great ships As onward they glide, Like white-winged birds, O'er the restless tide. "Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say, Dancing in the sun, Where no harm can reach From storm, dog, or gun.

Oh! merry is the life Of a beach-bird free; Few griefs molest us  By the sounding sea. If rude winds destroy Our nests built with care, Patiently we work The loss to repair; If chilled by the gust, Or wet by the rain, We do not fret, but Wait for sun again. "Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say. Where'er we may be; Which means, little child, "Hurrah for the sea!"