Then followed him the Lark, For he could sweetly sing, And he was to be the clerk At Cock Robin's wedding. He sang of Robin's love For Little Jenny Wren; And when he came unto the end, Then he began again. The Goldfinch came on next, To give away the Bride; The Linnet, being bridesmaid, Walked by Jenny's side; And as she was a-walking, Said, "Upon my word, I think that your Cock Robin Is a very pretty bird." The Blackbird and the Thrush, And charming Nightingale, Whose sweet "jug" sweetly echoes Through every grove and dale; The Sparrow and Tomtit, And many more, were there; All came to see the wedding Of Jenny Wren the fair. The Bullfinch walked by Robin, And thus to him did say, "Pray mark, friend Robin Redbreast, That Goldfinch dressed so gay: "What though her gay apparel Becomes her very well, Yet Jenny's modest dress and look Must bear away the bell." [Illustration] Then came the Bride and Bridegroom; Quite plainly was she dressed, And blushed so much, her cheeks were As red as Robin's breast. But Robin cheered her up; "My pretty Jen," said he, "We're going to be married, And happy we shall be." "Oh, then," says Parson Rook, "Who gives this maid away?" "I do," says the Goldfinch, "And her fortune I will pay: "Here's a bag of grain of many sorts, And other things beside: Now happy be the bridegroom, And happy be the bride!" "And will you have her, Robin, To be your wedded wife?" "Yes, I will," says Robin, "And love her all my life!" "And you will have him, Jenny, Your husband now to be?" "Yes, I will," says Jenny, "And love him heartily!" Then on her finger fair Cock Robin put the ring; "You're married now," says Parson Rook, While the Lark aloud did sing: "Happy be the bridegroom, And happy be the bride! And may not man, nor bird, nor beast, This happy pair divide!" [Illustration] The birds were asked to dine, Not Jenny's friends alone, But every pretty songster That had Cock Robin known. They had a cherry-pie, Besides some currant-wine, And every guest brought something, That sumptuous they might dine. Now they all sat or stood, To eat and to drink; And every one said what He happened to think. [Illustration] They each took a bumper, And drank to the pair, Cock Robin the bridegroom, And Jenny the fair. The dinner-things removed, They all began to sing; And soon they made the place Near a mile round to ring. The concert it was fine; And every bird tried Who best should sing for Robin, And Jenny Wren the bride. [Illustration]