On her nest, with her young,
Sat the starling in the steeple
While below the great bell swung
To the church to call the people.

"Mother, mother", cried the starlings
"What is that? oh mother, tell!"
"Don't be frightened, little darlings
'Tis the great church bell

Ringing out its solemn warning,
That the people far and near
All may know 'tis Sunday morning
And make haste to gather here.

While the organ's sweetly playing
Little birds need have no fear!
While below the folk are praying
You can sing your hymns up here!"