Way up there I see them flying,
Singing hippopotami.
With my purple net I'm trying
To ensnare one on the fly.
If I'm lucky, I will get him.
That would make my day.
In a cage I'd gently set him.
Turn to him and say:
"Mr. Hippo, Mr. Hippo, 
I won't keep you long.
Mr. Hippo, Mr. Hippo, 
Won't you sing a song?"
If he says he doesn't care to,
I'll not urge, not me!
I won't argue, wouldn't dare to.
I'll just set him free.
He'll rejoin his flying fellow
Hippopotami.
Sending songs so sweet and mellow
To us from the sky.


Translation: Lydia Razran Stone