Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922. Cuckoo Song
(Spring begins in Southern England on the 14th April, on which date the Old Woman lets the Cuckoo out of her basket at Heathfield Fair—locally known as Heffle Cuckoo Fair.)
ELL it to the locked-up trees,Cuckoo, bring your song here! Warrant, Act and Summons, please, For Spring to pass along here! Tell old Winter, if he doubt, 5 Tell him squat and square—a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman’s let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair—a! 10 March has searched and April tried— ’Tisn’t long to May now. Not so far to Whitsuntide And Cuckoo’s come to stay now! Hear the valiant fellow shout 15 Down the orchard bare—a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman’s let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair—a! 20 When your heart is young and gay And the season rules it— Work your works and play your play ’Fore the Autumn cools it! Kiss you turn and turn-about, 25 But my lad, beware—a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman’s let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair—a! 30
