Black-cap, madcap,
Never tired of play,
What's the news to-day?
“Faint-heart, faint-heart,
Winter's coming up this way,
And the winter comes to stay!”
Black-cap, madcap,
Whither will you go,
Now the storm-winds blow?
“Faint-heart, faint-heart,
In the pine boughs, thick and low,
We are sheltered from the snow!”
Black-cap, madcap,
In the snow and sleet,
What have you to eat?
“Faint-heart, faint-heart,
Seeds and berries are a treat,
When the frost has made them sweet!”
Black-cap, madcap,
Other birds have flown
To a summer zone!
“Faint-heart, faint-heart,
When they're gone, we black-caps own
Our white playground all alone!”