82 SONGS FOR THE rc unuaihiaaimasiinaannaasnsteesT eet THE CHICKENS. See, the chickens round the gate For their morning portion wait ; Fill the basket from the store, Let us open wide the door: Throw out crumbs, and scatter seed, Let the hungry chickens feed. Call them; now how fast they run, Gladly, quickly, every one ; Eager, busy hen and chick, Every little morsel pick : \ See the hen with callow brood, To her young how kind and good ; With what care their steps she leads— Them, and not herself she feeds : Picking here and picking there, Where the nicest morsels are. As she calls, they flock around, Bustling all along the ground. When their daily labors cease, And at night they rest in peace, All the little tiny things Nestle close beneath her wings ; There she keeps them safe and warm, Free from fear, and free from harm.