This text comes from Songs of French Canada, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.
When 'neath the wintry skies
The snow-clad valleys lie;
When ever-green arise
The stately pines on high;
When from their branches tost,
Dissolving in the sun,
Fast falls the silvery frost;
When April seems to stray
From out its destined way,—
From Spring to us they come,
These messengers so gay!
From the cold and the snow,
From tempest and flood,
May God in His love
His protection bestow,
Little birds!
Far from softer rests,
In more benignant climes—
Where sun of summer shines;
Where, deep in silken moss,
Untouched by snow or frost,
Lie hidden other nests—
You wing your speedy flight
To shores as bleak as night,
May sends you on your ways
To tell of happier days!
From the cold and the snow,
From tempest and flood,
May God in His love
His protection bestow,
Little birds!
When seen, your silken wing,
O little birds, you bring
Peace to the mournful soul;
Away the dark clouds roll;
The heart is stirred with joy,
With joy without alloy;
From God, sweet birds, you bring
The hope of gladsome spring.
From the cold and the snow,
From tempest and flood,
May God in His love
His protection bestow,
Little birds!