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270
LEGEND OF THE CUCKOO.
Chap. XVII.
As we strolled through the woods, the voice of the
cuckoo rang shrilly through the air, entirely, too, devoid
of Danish accent. Many naturalists declare that the
notes of the singing-birds differ according to the climate
in which they dwell. Perhaps I am hard of hearing,
for I have never yet found it out. But if you wish to
know why the cuckoo builds no nest of its own, that I
can easily explain according to the belief in Denmark.
“ When in early spring-time the voice of the cuckoo
is first heard in the woods, every village girl kisses
her hand and asks the question, ‘ Cuckoo! cuckoo!
when shall I be married ? ’ and the old folks, borne
down with age and rheumatism, inquire, ‘ Cuckoo,
when shall I be released from this world’s cares ? ’ The
bird, in answer, continues singing, ‘ Cuckoo! ’ as many
times as years will elapse before the object of their
desires will come to pass. But as some old people live
to an advanced age, and many girls die old maids, the
poor bird has so much to do in answering the questions
put to her, that the building season goes by; she has no
time to make her nest, but lays her eggs in that of the
hedge-sparrow.”
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