1 I asked a Rivulet to tell
What music sweet its bosom fills;
I listened--but could only hear
The tinkling of the Rills.
Little streamlet ever flowing
Onward to the mighty sea;
May we learn a useful lesson
From thy melody.

2 I asked a Rill from whence it came,
But it refused a song to sing;
And seeking for its origin,
I found it in a Spring.
Little streamlet ever flowing
Onward to the mighty sea;
May we learn a useful lesson
From thy melody.

3 I asked a Spring from whence it came,
It gave no answering word or sigh;
Just then a pearly Rain-Drop fell,
And this was its supply
Little streamlet ever flowing
Onward to the mighty sea;
May we learn a useful lesson
From thy melody.

4 I asked the Rain-drop whence it came,
And silently it made reply;
And then with upward gaze I saw
A Cloud was in the sky.
Little streamlet ever flowing
Onward to the mighty sea;
May we learn a useful lesson
From thy melody.