Margaret Casson: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

The Cuckoo (III.)

Margaret Casson

“The Cuckoo (III.)” as printed in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853).

Margaret Casson: Collected Lyrics Text 1 1853 · historical text
Public domainHymnSacred song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Now the sun is in the west,

Sinking slow behind the trees,

And the cuckoo, welcome guest,

Gently woos the ev'ning breeze.

Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Gently woos the ev'ning breeze.

Verse 2

Sportive now the swallows play,

Lightly skimming o'er the brook;

Darting swift they wing their way.

Homeward to their peaceful nook;

Whilst the cuckoo, bird of spring,

Still amidst the trees doth sing,

Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Still amidst the trees doth sing.

Verse 3

Cheerful see yon shepherd-boy,

Climbing up the craggy rocks;

As he views the dappled sky,

Pleas'd the cuckoo's note he mocks.

Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Pleas'd the cuckoo's note he mocks.

Verse 4

Now advancing o'er the plain,

Ev'ning's dusky shades appear,

And the cuckoo's voice again

Gently steals upon mine ear;

While retiring from the view,

Thus she bids the day adieu:

Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Thus she bids the day adieu.

Credits

Written by Margaret Casson

Words by Margaret Casson. Historical text published in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853), “The Cuckoo (III.)”

Every text in this 1853 collection is by Henry Formby (1816-1884), who died more than 140 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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