1 The woodmen's blows responsive ring, As on the trees they fall; And when the birds their sweet notes sing, They to each other call. From the dark valley comes a bird, And seeks the lofty tree. Ying goes its voice, and thus it cries, "Companion, come to me." The bird, although a creature small, Upon its mates depends; And shall we men, who rank o'er all, Not seek to have our friends? All Spirits [angels] love the friendly man, And hearken [by GOD's leave] to his prayer. What harmony and peace they can Bestow, his lot shall share.

2 Hoo-hoo the woodmen all unite To shout, as trees they fell. They do their work with all their might;— What I have done I'll tell. I've strained and made my spirits [lawful drink] clear, The fatted lambs I've killed. With friends who my own surname bear, My hall I've largely filled. Some may be absent, casually, And leave a broken line; But better this than absence by An oversight of mine. My court I've sprinkled and swept clean, Viands in order set. Eight dishes loaded stand with grain; There's store of fatted meat. My mother's kith and kin I wis I've widely called by name. That some be hindered better is Than I give cause for blame.

3 On the hill-side the trees they fell, All working with good will. I labour too, with equal zeal, And the host's part fulfil. Spirits [lawful drink] I've set in order meet, The dishes stand in rows. The guests are here; no vacant seat A brother absent shows. The loss of kindly feeling oft From slightest things shall grow, Where all the fare is dry and spare, Resentments fierce may glow. My store of spirits [lawful drink] is well strained. If short prove the supply, My messengers I straightway send, And what is needed buy. I beat the drums, and in glad dance Lead joyously the train. Oh! good it is, when falls the chance, The sparkling cup [of lawful drink] to drain.