I've been sitting by the hillside

1 I've been sitting by the hill-side;
Little birds flew gayly round;
What a singing, what a springing
From their nestlings to the ground!

2 I've been standing in the garden,
Where the buzzing bees flew round;
What a humming, going, coming,
As their honey cells they found!

3 I've been wandering in the woodland,
Where the squirrels sport so free;
What a springing, running, leaping,
Up and down the walnut tree.

4 While all creatures thus are gayly
Sporting in the beams of day,
Let me learn of them the lesson
To be cheerful, brisk and gay.

Source: Songs for Little Folks: a collection adapted for the home circle and for primary classes in Sunday schools and day schools: containing a number of carefully selected kindergarten songs #134a