The Pallid Cuckoo

Dolefully and drearily Come I with the spring; Wearily and cerily My threnody I sing. Hear my drear, discordant note Sobbing, sobbing in my throat, Weaving, wailing thro' the wattles Where the builders are a-wing. Outcast and ostracized, Miserable me! By the feathered world despised, Chased from tree to tree. Nought to do the summer thro', My woeful weird a dree; Singing, "Pity, ah, pity, Miserable me!" I'm the menace and the warning, Loafing, labour-shy. In the harmony of morning Out of tune am I- Out of tune and out of work, Meanly 'mid the leaves I lurk, Fretfully to sing my sorrow, Furtively to spy. Outcast and desolate, Miserable me! Earning ever scorn and hate For my treachery. Shiftless drone, I grieve alone, To a mournful key Singing, "Sorrow, ah, sorrow! Miserable me!"