C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Author Unknown

Translation of Francesca Alexander

O SWALLOW, flying close along the sea,

Turn back, turn back, and to my words attend:

From thy bright wing one feather give to me,

For I would write a letter to my friend.

And when I’ve written all, and made it clear,

I’ll give thee back thy feather, swallow dear.

And when ’tis written, and the seal is set,

I never more thy kindness will forget;

And when ’tis written all in gold, then I

Will give thy feather back, and see thee fly.