The Robin’s Yule Song

Early one frosty Yule morning, a little robin redbreast woke up in his hedge. Yule is an old name for Christmas. “Today I will fly to the King’s castle,” said the robin, “and sing him a Yule song.” So he fluffed up his red feathers and off he flew.

Soon he met a gray pussycat sitting on a wall. “Good morning, little robin,” purred the cat. “Where are you going today?” “I am going to the King, to sing him a song this fine Yule morning,” said the robin. “Come a little closer first,” said the cat, “and I will show you the pretty white ring around my neck.” “Oh no, gray pussycat,” said the robin. “I saw you chase the wee mouse, and you shall not chase me!” And away he flew.

Next he met a hungry hawk perched in a bare tree. “Good morning, little robin,” said the hawk. “Where are you going today?” “I am going to the King, to sing him a song this fine Yule morning,” said the robin. “Come and sit on my branch,” said the hawk, “and I will show you a lovely feather in my wing.” “Oh no, hungry hawk,” said the robin. “I saw you swoop at the little birds, and you shall not swoop at me!” And away he flew.

Then he met a sly red fox by the edge of a rock. “Good morning, little robin,” said the fox. “Where are you going today?” “I am going to the King, to sing him a song this fine Yule morning,” said the robin. “Come down here,” said the fox, “and I will show you the bonny spot at the end of my tail.” “Oh no, sly fox,” said the robin. “I saw you chase the little lamb, and you shall not chase me!” And away he flew, higher than ever.

At last, the robin came to the King’s castle. He landed on the window ledge, where the King and Queen were sitting by the fire. And he sang them the sweetest Yule song they had ever heard.

“What a lovely song!” said the King. “What gift shall we give you?” The Queen smiled and said, “Let us give him the little wren to be his wife.” So the robin and the little wren were married that very day. Then the robin and the wren flew home together to their cozy hedge, singing all the way.