I plucked a feather From a magpie's tail And I vowed never To see love fail He bowed, clever His colours spread I plucked once more And his tail turned red He said "One's for sorrow But what of two? And why should I give All to you?" So then I swore Before he fled I'd pluck once more And his tail turned red Five is for feathers They say six is for fur And seven is for secrets Seven is for secrets Never to be heard