RED ladybird, black ladybird,

Ladybird sable and gold,

Lowly you sing, flutter your wing,

And fare to the fete on the world.

Goldfinches sing ; butterflies cling :

Guests that are plumed or furred-

Timid and bold, beasts manifold,

A harvest-mouse marshals the herd !

Fairy drums rolled, flutings foretold

Favours thepixie-folk fling :

Flown thitherward, each tiny bird

Will hery the midsummer king.

Red ladybird, black ladybird,

Ladybird sable and gold,

Pollen-dust bring in a gossamer sling—

Make haste ere the tickets are sold !