LESSON 10
ROBIN REDBREAST

William Allingham (b. 1828, d. 1889) was born at Ballyshannon, Ireland. His father was a banker, and gave him a good education in Irish schools. He showed his literary tastes at an early date, contributing to periodicals, etc. In 1850 he published his first volume of poems; in 1854 his “Day and Night Songs” appeared, and in 1864 a poem in twelve chapters entitled “Lawrence Bloomfield in Ireland, ” His reputation was established chiefly through his shorter lyrics, or ballad poetry. In 1864 he received a literary pension.

1. Good-by, good-by to Summer!

For Summer's nearly done;

The garden smiling faintly,

Cool breezes in the sun;

Our thrushes now are silent,

Our swallows flown away, —

But Robin's here in coat of brown,

And scarlet brestknot gay.

Robin, Robin Redbreast,

O Robin dear!

Robin sings so sweetly

In the falling of the year.

2. Bright yellow, red, and orange,

The leaves come down in hosts;

The trees are Indian princes,

But soon they'll turn to ghosts;

The leathery pears and apples

Hang russet on the bough;

It's autumn, autumn, autumn late,

'T will soon be winter now.

Robin, Robin Redbreast,

O Robin dear!

And what will this poor Robin do?

For pinching days are near.

3. The fireside for the cricket,

The wheat stack for the mouse,

When trembling night winds whistle

And moan all round the house.

The frosty ways like iron,

The branches plumed with snow, —

Alas! in winter dead and dark,

Where can poor Robin go?

Robin, Robin Redbreast,

O Robin dear!

And a crumb of bread for Robin,

His little heart to cheer.

STUDY GUIDE

A. Word Definition

1.breastknot:patch on the breast.

2.leathery:like leather in appearance and toughness.

3.russet:reddish brown.

4.cricket:insect resembling a grasshopper with a musical chirp.

5.stack:orderly pile.

6.plumed:covered with feathers.

B. Study Note

The Old World Robin here referred to is quite different in appearance and habits from the American Robin. It is only about half the size of the latter. Its prevailing color above is olive green, while the forehead, cheeks, throat, and breast are a light yellowish red. It does not migrate, but is found at all seasons throughout temperate Europe, Asia Minor, and northern Africa.

C. Comprehension Questions

1. Do you think “Robin Redbreast was written for children”? Why or why not?

2. Robins are beloved in the countries where they live. What are some beloved birds in your country?

3. Can you identify any birds by their songs? If so, which ones?

4. “Robin Redbreast” is a poem. Do you think it could be turned into a song? Why or why not?

5. Europeans robins do not fly south for the winter. Name some birds that do.

6. Which of these birds are hunters?

a. swallows

b. falcons

c. eagles

d. owls

7. What are the best foods to give birds in winter?

8. What season does the author refer to when he says “the falling of the year”?

D. Writing Work

Write a two verse poem about a bird you love.