Classic Poem

Nightingales built the nest
Where, as a lonely guest,
First thy young head did rest,
Cuckoo so dear!
Strange to the father bird,
Strange to the mother bird
Sounded the note they heard,
Tender and clear.

Fleeing thy natal bow'rs
Bright with the silv'ry flow'rs,
Oft in the summer hours
Hither thou fliest;
Light'st on some orange tall,
Scatt'ring the blossoms all,
And, while around they fall,
Ceaselessly criest.

Though through the livelong day
Soundeth thy roundelay,
Never its accents may
Pall on mine ear:
Come, take a bribe of me!
Ne'er to far regions flee;
Dwell on mine orange-tree,
Cuckoo so dear!