What The Old Cock-sparrow Said - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
What the Old Cock-Sparrow Said. Copyright, 1878, by E. H. Harding. 
Upon a Summer's night, the moon was shining bright, I rambled thro' the outskirts of the town, To enjoy the ev'ning breeze, surging thro' the maple trees, As 'neath their leafy boughs I sat me down; When a fluttering in the air, as of birds assembled there, Did cause me up above to raise my eyes, And I heard a chirping sound, giving maxims so profound, Brigh , words of wisdom from the starlit skies; An old cock-sparrow spoke, with age his feathers broke, Unto fifty sparrows gather'd o'er my head, His sage experience told noble proverbs true as gold, And this was what the old cock-sparrow said-
Always give a helping hand to misfortune in the land; Treat not with scorn the broken-hearted man. Who fought his battle well, yet weak in the struggle fell, And down the hill of ruin swiftly ran; If you see the child of sin deep in sorrow's gulf plung in, Extend the hand of welcome, ere too late; A word, if kindly spoke, oft has shame's dark fetters broke, And led the outcast to the golden gate; At him, who smiles, beware, and can preach when you despai Will give advice but not a loaf of bread; Will at i our follies rave, when a crust your life would save; Beware of him, the old cock-sparrow said. 
The convict in his cell, tho' from rectitude he fell, A spark of honor may live in his heart; Then raise him from the slime of a past and by-gone time, And in the race of life give him a start; If he fails to win his race it is but his own disgrace, You have done to him as you would be done by; Repeat the same once more if you save one in a score-A soul redeemed is welcom'd most on high; Remember what I say when so swift you fly away, Upon poor downcast manhood never tread; As he in the gutter lies, help him quickly to arise-Was the last thing that the old cock-sparrow said.