did you come before us nightjar
were you before us water hen
did you precede us kingfisher
was the world happier before men?

were you here before us peafowl
caught you fish here sarus crane
chased rat you dreamy owl
was the world happier before men?

were you still there cute quail
chirped sweetly little wren
trilled melodies shy doel
was the world happier before men?

did you sing at evening drongo
danced you peacock in the rain
how was the world long ago
was it much happier before men?