“I did,” said the sparrow.

“With my bow and arrow, I was the one who killed the robin.”

Who saw him fall?

“I did,” said the fly.

“With my little eyes, I saw him die.”

Who carried away his blood?

“I did,” said the fish.

“With my small dish, I took away his blood.”

Who would make his shroud?

“I can,” said the beetle.

“I have needle and thread, and I will sew his winding sheet.”

Who would dig his grave?

“I will,” said the owl.

“With my hoe and shovel, I will dig the burial place.”

Who would speak the hymn?

“I will,” said the crow.

“With my little book, let me serve as the priest.”

Who would write down his life?

“Perhaps I might,” said the lark.

“If I need not stay in darkness, I will set down his story.”

Who would light the pyre?

“I shall,” said the redbird.

“I will fetch a torch at once, and I will set the fire.”

Who would lead the funeral?

“I will!” cried the dove.

“I mourn the one I loved; let me send him on his way.”

Who would lift his coffin?

“I will,” said the eagle.

“If it were not by night, I would bear his coffin.”

Who would spread the pall?

“We two will,” said the wrens.

“My wife and I together will cover him.”

Who would sing the requiem?

“I will,” said the thrush.

“I shall stand upon the bush and sing for him.”

Who would toll the bell?

“I will,” said the bull.

“I am the strongest of all, and I can ring the passing bell.”

Farewell, dear robin.

The bell was rung, and it tolled for the poor robin. All the birds in the sky mourned him with sorrow.

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Notice

Let all concerned be informed: At the next court of the sky, the sparrow shall stand trial.