to-a-n-d-fro

Updated: May 21, 2025

Though she does not sing to House People, how do we know but what she whispers a little lullaby like this, on stormy nights, to her nestlings? "Rains beat! Winds blow! Safe the nest in the elm tree. Days come! Nights go! Birds at rest in the elm tree. To-and-fro, to-a-n-d-fro, Safe are we from every foe Orioles in the elm tree. Cats come! Cats go! Lullaby in the elm tree!

Elliott Coues - Citizen Bird : Scenes from Bird-Life in Plain English for Beginners