.
.
i
.
:
DUPL
A 628716 Dup
.
·
'.
.
JUVENILE
COLLECTION
10.3
.T83
1821
PZ
.
.
.
.
.
-
.
.
..
.
1
r
i
*
U-
f
.
.
..
...
I
.
.
.
.
1.2
*
A
.
.
mi
1
.
21
LA
.
*
.
:
*
i tor
1
.
TER
L
.
!
"
T
st
WW2
L
"

dimnimnonimaminomia
2
penuwuwIWIH
COS
ARTES
PTES
ENTIA
LIBRANTAUTAS OF THE
NIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
VIVIUUD
INTILISHINQUINNITATIINTOISISTALLOHG
CUCII:
Monitori
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII:
.
Oo
TIEHOR
DI'
PRET
1.QUARIS.PEN
SPININAM
M.MONAN
our
on
CIRCU
Sloppant
"PLUMSP.CL
nou
VP'F
THRILDO
M
mong
AV.VILI...
patient
ALIONER
NDIHERN HITTITUO HINS THATV)
W
unWITHHNMOJAUTRIMERIMINOin
STI M UBINIMIUINI
HMIRINIHINNTIBIOTIIMIIIII
GminnitunninhtinhnıbwuUINMAMwinmuuminit MHINDI
S
mmmmm00000002
ESTATE OF
MINNA C. YOUNG
ilmu
FABULOUS HISTORIES;
OR,
The History of the Robins.
Sayt Cherbe)
- MRS. TRIMMER.
DESIGNED FOR THE
ÎNSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN,
RESPECTING
THEIR TREATMENT OF ANIMALS.

Arildi
)!
EWJY
ii)))
NVM
MUA
wa
D
.
INDI
VIES?
D
Pi!
HOLM
IMIN
Sung
Thirteenth Edition.
WITII WOOD CUTS BY BEWICK.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR N. HAILES,
JUVENILE LIBRARY, LONDON MUSEUM, PICCADILLY.
1821.
Juvenile
Collection
PZ
10.3
T83
Q. Whittingham, Chiswick.
Jur core
Zutate
41
.
the other
10128-13
TO
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS
Eg
PRINCESS SOPHIA.
-E 1
TA
.
MADAM,
I FÉEL inexpressible satisfaction in
being allowed to present to a Princess of
your distinguished humanity and sweetness
of disposition, this little Work: not merely
on account of the honour it reflects on my-
self (of which I am very sensible), but from
the persuasion that your Patronage will give
weight to the Lessons I now attempt to
teach, and your Example enforce the prac-
tice of them.
I do not mean to flatter you, Madam, nor
would I on any account suggest to your
mind an idea unsuitable to your tender
years; therefore give me leave to add, that
you must consider yourself as indebted for
this good disposition, in the first place to
iv.
Divine Providence, and in the next to the
excellent education which it is your happi-
ness to receive.
If you continue to avail yourself of these
advantages you will be a blessing to your
Royal Parents, and an ornament to your
country: and, from your elevated station,
will be enabled to do much good in the
world, by exciting the emulation of others,
of inferior ranks, to imitate your virtues.
That these virtues may increase with your
growing years, and that the anniversary of
this day may, to the end of life afford you a
comfortable retrospect on the time that has
passed, is the fervent wish of,
11
MADAM,
Your Royal Highness's
most obliged, and
most obedient Servant,
SARAH TRIMMER.
Nov. 3, 1785.
ADVERTISEMENT.
11
It certainly comes within the compass
of Christian benevolence to show com-
passion to the Animal Creation; and a
good mind naturally inclines to do so.
But as, through an erroneous education,
or bad example, many children contract
habits of tormenting inferior creatures,
before they are conscious of giving them
pain; or fall into the contrary fault of
immoderate tenderness to them; it is
hoped that an attempt to point out the
line of conduct, which ought to regulate
the actions of human beings towards
those over whom the Supreme Governor
has given them dominion, will not be
a
thought an useless undertaking; and
that the mode of conveying instruction
on this subject, which the author of the
following sheets has adopted, will engage
the attention of young minds, and prove
instrumental to the happiness of many
an innocent animal.
INTRODUCTION.
MANY young readers, doubtless, remember
to have met with a book which gives an ac-
count of a little boy named Henry, and his
sister Charlotte*, whose mama, when she
indulged them with walking in the fields
and gardens, taught them to take particular
notice of every object that presented itself
to their view. The consequence of this was,
that they contracted a great fondness for
animals; and used often to express a wish
that their Birds, Cats, Dogs, &c. could talk,
that they might hold conversations with
them. Their mama, therefore, to amuse
them, composed the following Fabulous His-
tories; in which the sentiments and affec-
tions of a good father and mother, and a
family of children, are supposed to be pos-
sessed by a nest of Redbreasts; and others
77
* See the Author's Introduction to the Knowledge of Nature,
viii
of the feathered race are, by the force of
imagination, endued with the same faculties;
but before Henry and Charlotte began to
read these Histories, they were taught to
consider them, not as containing the real con-
versations of Birds (for that it is impossible
we should ever understand), but as a series of
Fables designed not merely to excite com-
passion and tenderness for those interesting
and delightful creatures, on which such wan-
ton cruelties are frequently exercised; but
also to convey moral instruction to the young
reader; and, in particular, to recommend
the practice of general benevolence.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

DU
BU
IN
IKUU
10
at
OVH
.
I
111
:
.
Il
PSSICI
3
.
V
SE
X
REX
DVIS
1.
SE
Inimene
?
)
w
V
Y:-
DIR
.
W
-
vun
atch Will
.
Salah
A
.
Isis
" L
ll
11
Sul
SUBS
MITTWEM
LITRAK
VI
IMITATI MIMmmm
17
SAN
5:))
-
UP
SONSES
-
AU
SAU
.
.
KE
din,
.
R
.:
VIIHII
ES
I !
ILL
III
TE
-
SEAS
SYR
.
..
NU
Will
::.
CHAPTER I.
MISS HARRIET AND MASTER FREDERICK TELDING
THE BIRDS.
In a hole which time had made in a wall, covered
with Ivy, a pair of Redbreasts built their nest. No
place could have been better chosen for the purpose;
it was sheltered from the rain, screened from the wind,
and in an orchard belonging to a gentleman who had
strictly charged his domestics not to destroy the labours
of those little songsters who choose his ground as an
asylum.
In this happy retreat, which no idle schoolboy dared
to enter, the hen Redbreast laid four eggs, and then
2
took her seat upon them; resolving that nothing should
tempt her to leave the nest for any length of time till
she had hatched her infant brood. Her tender mate
every morning took her place while she picked up a
hasty breakfast, and often, before he tasted any food
himself, cheered her with a song.
At length the day arrived when the happy mother
heard the chirping of her little ones; with inexpressi-
ble tenderness she spread her maternal wings to cover
them, threw out the egg-shells in which they before
lay confined, then pressed them to her bosom, and
presented them to her mate, who viewed them with
rapture, and seated himself by her side, that he might
share her pleasure.
We may promise ourselves much delight in rearing
our little family, said he, but it will occasion us a great
deal of trouble; I would willingly bear the whole
myself, but it will be impossible for me, with my
utmost labour and industry, to supply all our nestlings
with what is sufficient for their daily support; it will
therefore be necessary for you to leave the nest some-
times, to seek provisions for them. She declared her
readiness to do so; and said that there would be no
necessity for her to be long absent, as she had discovered
a place near the orchard, where food was scattered on
purpose for such birds as would take the pains of seek-
ing it: and that she had been informed by a Chaffinch,
that there was no kind of danger in picking it up.
This is a lucky discovery indeed for us, replied her
mate; for this great increase of family renders it pru-
dent to make use of every means for supplying our
necessities; I myself must take a larger circuit, for
some insects that are proper for the nestlings cannot
3
.
be found in all places: however, I will bear you com-
pany whenever it is in my power. The little ones
now began to be hungry, and opened their gaping
mouths for food; on which their kind father instantly
flew forth to find it for them, and in turns supplied
them all, as well as his beloved mate. This was a hard
day's work; and when evening came on, he was glad
to take repose; and turning his head under his wing,
he soon fell asleep; his mate followed his example;
the four little ones had before fallen into a gentle
slumber; and perfect quietness for some hours reigned.
in the nest.
The next morning they were awakened at the dawn
of day, by the song of a Skylark, which had a nest
near the orchard; and, as the young Redbreasts were
impatient for food, their father cheerfully prepared
himself to renew his toil, requesting his mate to ac-
company him to the place she had mentioned. That
I will do, replied she, but it is too early yet: I must,
therefore, beg that you will go by yourself and procure
a breakfast for us, as I am fearful of leaving the nest-
lings before the air is warmer, lest they should be
chilled. To this he readily consented, and fed all his
little darlings, to whom, for the sake of distinction, I
shall give the names of Robin, Dicky, Flapsy, and
Pecksy. When this kind office was performed, he
perched on a tree, and while he rested, entertained his
family with his melody, till his mate springing from the
nest, called him to attend her; on which he instantly
took wing, and followed her to a courtyard belonging
to a family mansion.
No sooner did the happy pair appear before the
parlour window, than it was hastily thrown up by
B 2
S
Miss Harriet Benson, a little girl about eleven years
old, the daughter of the gentleman and lady to whom
the house belonged.
Miss Harriet, with great delight, called her brother
to see two Robin Redbreasts : and she was soon joined
by Master Frederick, a fine chubby rosy-cheeked boy
about six years of age, who, as soon as he had taken a
peep at the feathered strangers, ran to his mama, and
entreated her to give him something to feed them with.
I must have a great piece of bread this morning, said
he, for there are all the Sparrows and Chaffinches that
come every day, and two Robin Redbreasts besides.-
Here is a piece for you, Frederick, replied Mrs. Ben-
son, cutting a loaf that was on the table; but if your
daily pensioners continue to increase, as they have done
lately, we must provide some other food for them, as
it is not right to cut pieces from a loaf on purpose for
birds, because there are many children who want
bread, to whom we should give the preference. Would
you deprive a poor little hungry boy of his breakfast,
to give it to birds ? No, said Frederick, I would sooner
give my own breakfast to a poor boy than he should
go without: but where shall I get victuals enough:for
my birds ? I will beg the cook to save the crumbs in
the bread-pan, and desire John to preserve all he makes
when he cuts the loaf for dinner, and those which are
scattered on the tablecloth. A very good scheme,
said Mrs. Benson, and I make no doubt it will answer
your purpose, if you can prevail on the servants to in-
dulge you. I cannot bear to see the least fragment of
food wasted which may contribute to the support of
life in any creature.
Miss Harriet, being quite impatient to exercise her
benevolence, requested her brother to remember that
the poor birds, for whom he had been a successful
solicitor, would soon fly away if he did not make haste
to feed them; on which he ran to the window with his "
treasure in his hand.
When Miss Harriet first appeared, the winged sup-
pliants approached with eager expectation of the daily
handful, which their kind benefactress made it a cus-
tom to distribute, and were surprised at the delay of
her charity. They hopped around the window—they
chirped—they twittered, and employed all their little
arts to gain attention; and were on the point of de-
parting, when Master Frederick, breaking a bit from
the piece he held in his hand, attempted to scatter it
among them, calling out at the same time, Dicky!
Dicky! On hearing the well known sound, the little
flock immediately drew near. Master Frederick begged
that his sister would let him feed all the birds himself,
but finding that he could not fing the crumbs far
enough for the Redbreasts, who, being strangers, kept
at a distance, he resigned the task, and Miss Harriet,
with dexterous hand, threw some of them to the very
spot where the affectionate pair stood waiting for her
notice, and with grateful hearts picked up the portion
assigned them; and in the mean while the other birds,
being satisfied, flew away, and ihey were left alone.
Master Frederick exclaimed with rapture, that the two
Robin Redbreasts were feeding! and Miss Harriet
meditated a design of taming them, by kindness. Be
sure, my dear brother, said she, not to forget to ask
the cook and John for the crumbs, and do not let the
least morsel of any thing you have to eat fall to the
ground. I will be careful in respect to mine, and we
YA
will collect all that papa and mama crumble; and,
if we cannot by these means get enough, I will spend
some of my money in grain for them. Oh, said Fre-
derick, I would give all the money I have in the world
to buy victuals for my dear, dear birds.-Hold, my
love, said Mrs. Benson, though I commend your hu-
manity, I must remind you again that there are poor
people as well as poor birds.-Well, mama, replied
Frederick, I will only buy a little grain then. As he
spake the last words, the Redbreasts having finished
their meal, the mother bird expressed her impatience
to return to the nest; and having obtained her mate's
consent, she repaired with all possible speed to her
humble habitation, whilst he tuned his melodious pipe,
and delighted their young benefactors with his music;
he then spread his wings, and took his flight to an ad-
joining garden, where he had a great chance of finding
worms for his family.
Master Benson expressed great concern that the
Robins were gone; but was comforted by his sister,
who remiuded him that, in all probability, his new fa-
vourites, having met with so kind a reception, would
return on the morrow. Mrs. Benson then bid them
shut the window; and, taking Frederick in her lap,
and desiring Miss Harriet to sit down by her, thus ad-
dressed them:
I am delighted, my dear children, with your humane
behaviour towards animals, and wish by all means to
encourage it: but, let me recommend to you, not to
suffer your tender feelings towards animals to gain
upon you to such a degree as to make you unhappy,
or forgetful of those who have a higher claim to your
attention :-I mean poor people--always keep in mind
the distresses which they endure; and on no account
waste any kind of food, nor give to inferior creatures
what is designed for mankind.
Miss Harriet promised to follow her mama's instruc-
tions; but Frederick's attention was entirely engaged
by watching a butterfly, which had just left the chry-
salis, and was fluttering in the window, longing to try
its wings in the air and sunshine : this Frederick was
very desirous to catch, but his maina would not permit
him to attempt it; because (she told him) he could not
well lay hold of its wings without doing it an injury,
and it would be much happier at liberty. Should you
like, Frederick, said she, when you are going out to
play, to have any body lay hold of you violently,
scratch you all over, then offer you something to eat
which is very disagreeable, and perhaps poisonous, and
shut you up in a little dark room? And yet this is the
fate to which many an harmless insect is condemned by
thoughtless children. As soon as Frederick under-
stood that he could not catch the butterfly without
hurting it, he gave up the point, and assured his mama
he did not want to keep it, but only to carry it out of
doors. Well, replied sbe, that end may be answered
by opening the window, which at her desire was done
by Miss Harriet: the happy insect was glad to fly
away, and Frederick had soon the pleasure of seeing it
upon a rose.
Breakfast being ended, Mrs. Benson reminded the
young lady and gentleman that it was almost time for
their lessons to begin; but desired their maid to take
them into the garden before they applied to business.
During his walk, Master Frederick amused bimself
with watching the butterfly, as it flew from flower to
tower, which gave him more pleasure than he could
possibly have received from catching and confining the
little tender creature.
Let us now see what became of our Redbreasts after
they left their young benefactors.
The Hen bird, as I informed you, repaired imme-
diately to the nest; her heart fluttered with apprehen-
sion, as she entered it, and she eagerly called out, Are
you all safe, my little dears ?-All safe, my good mo-
ther, replied Pecksy, but a little hungry and very cold.
-Well, said she, your last complaint I can soon re-
move; but in respect to the satisfying your hunger,
that must be your father's task; however, he will soon
be here, I make no doubt. Then spreading her wings
over them all, she soon gave warmth to them, and they
were again comfortable.
In a very short time her mate returned; for he only
stayed at Mr. Benson's to finish his song, and sip some
clear water, which his new friends always kept where
they fed the birds. He brought in his mouth a worm,
which was given to Robin; and was going to fetch one
for Dicky, but his mate said, My young ones are now
hatched, and you can keep them warm as well as my-
self; take my place, therefore, and the next excursion
shall be ininę.--I consent, answered he, because I
think a little flying now and then will do you good;
but to save you trouble, I can direct you to a spot
where you may be certain of finding worms for this
morning's supply. He then described the place; and
on her quitting the nest he entered it, and gathered his
young ones under his wings.-Come, my dears, said
he, let us sce what kind of a nurse I can make; but
an awkward one, I fear; even every mother bird is not
9
a good nurse, but you are very, fortunate in yours, for
she is a most tender one, and I hope you will be, duti-
ful for her kindness. They all promised him 'they
would. Well then, said he, I will sing you a song.
He did so, and it was a very merry one, and delighted
the nestlings extremely; so that, though they were not
quité comfortable under his wings, they did not regard
it, nor think the time of their mother's absence long.
She had not succeeded in the place she first went to,
ás a boy was picking up worms to angle with, of whom
she was afraid, and therefore flew farther; but, as soon
as she had obtained what she went for; she returned
with all possible speed, and though she had repeated
invitations from several gay birds which she met, to
join their sportive parties, she kept a steady course, pre-
ferring the pleasure of feeding little Dicky to all the
diversions of the fields and groves. As soon as the
hen bird came near the nest, her mate started up to
make room for her, and take his turn of providing for
his family. Once more adieu ! said he, and was out of
sight in an instant.
My dear nestlings, said the mother, how do you do?
-Very well, thank you, replied all at once; and we
have been exceedingly merry, said Robin, for my father
has sung us a sweet song. I think, said Dicky, I
should like to learn it. Well, replied the mother, he
will teach it you, I dare say; here he comes, ask him.
I am ashamed, said Dicky. Then you are a silly bird,
never be ashamed but when you commit a fault; asking
your father to teach you to sing is not one; and good,
parents delight to teach their young ones every thing
that is proper and useful. Whatever so good a father
sets you an example of you may safely desire to imi-
B3
10
IN
tate. Then, addressing herself to her mate, who for
an instant stopped at the entrance of the nest, that he
might not interrupt her instructions, Am I not right,
said she, in what I have just told them? Perfectly so,
replied he, I shall have pleasure in teaching them all
that is in my power; but we must talk of that another
time. Who is to feed poor Pecksy? Oh I, 1, answered
the mother, and was gone in an instantAnd so you
want to learn to sing, Dicky? said the father: Well,
then, pray listen very attentively; you may learn the
notes, though you will not be able to sing till your
voice is stronger.
Robin now remarked that the song was very pretty
indeed, and expressed his desire to learn it also.-By
all means, said his father, I shall sing it very often, so
you may learn it if you please. For my part, said
Flapsy, I do not think I could have patience to learn
it, it will take so much time.-Nothing, my dear
Flapsy, answered the father, can be acquired without
patience, and I am sorry to find yours begin to fail you
already; but I hope, if you have no taste for music,
that you will give the greater application to things
that may be of more importance to you. Well, said
Pecksy, I would apply to music with all my heart, but
I do not believe it possible for me to learn it. Perhaps
not, replied her father, but I do not doubt you will
apply to whatever your mother requires of you; and
she is an excellent judge both of your talents and of
what is suitable to your station in life. She is no
songstress herself, and yet she is very clever, I assure
you: here she comes. Then rising to make room for
her, Take your seat, my love, said he, and I will perch
upon the ivy. The hen again covered her brood,
11
whilst her mate amused her with his singing and con-
versation till the evening, excepting that each parent
bird flew out in turn to get food for their young ones.
In this manner several days passed with little varia-
tion; the nestlings were very thriving, and daily gained
strength and knowledge through the care of their in-
dulgent parents, who every day visited their friends,
Master and Miss Benson. Frederick had been suc-
cessful with the cook and footman, from whom he ob-
tained enough for his dear birds, as he called them,
without robbing the poor; and he was still able to pro-
duce a penny whenever his papa or mama pointed out
to him a proper object of charity.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

.
JINIMAI
ad
JO13: 111
.
VDS
M
>
CHAP. II.
MRS. BENSON AND THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN AND
LADY AT BREAKFAST. THE ROBINS VENTURE UPON
THE TEA TABLE.
It happened one day that both the Redbreasts, who
always went together to Mrs. Benson's (because if one
had waited for the other's return it would have missed
the chance of being fed); it happened, I say, that they
were both absent longer than usual; for their little
benefactors having been fatigued with a very long walk
the evening before, lay late in bed that morning ; but
as soon as Frederick was dressed, his sister, who was
waiting for him, took him by the hand, and led bim
down stairs, where he hastily asked the cook for the
collection of crumbs. As soon as he entered the
13
breakfast parlour, he ran eagerly to the window, and
attempted to fling it up. What is the cause of this
mighty bustle ? said his mama, do you not perceive
that I am in the room, Frederick ?-O, my birds! my
birds! cried he. I understand, rejoined Mrs. Benson,
that you have neglected to feed your little pensioners;
how came this about, Harriet ?-We were so tired last
night, answered Miss Benson, that we overslept our-
selves, mama.- This excuse may satisfy you and your
brother, added the lady, but I fear your birds would
bring heavy complaints against you, were they able to
talk. But make haste to feed them now; and, for the
future, whenever you give any living creature cause to
depend on you for sustenance, be careful on no ac-
count to disappoint it; and if you are prevented from
feeding it yourself, employ another person to do it for
you.
It is customary, continued Mrs. Benson, for little
boys and girls to pay their respects to their papas and
mamas every morning, as soon as they see them. This,
Frederick, you ought to have done to me, on entering
the parlour, instead of running across it, crying out,
My birds! my birds ! It would have taken you but
very little time to have done so; however, I will excuse
your neglect now, my dear, as you did not intend to
offend me; but remember that you depend as much on
your papa and me for every thing you want as these
little birds do on you; nay, more so, for they could
find food in other places ; but children can do nothing
towards their own support, they should therefore be
clutiful and respectful to those whose tenderness and
care they constantly experience.
Miss Harriet promised her mama that she would,
14
on all occasions endeavour to behave as she wished
her to do: but I am sorry to say, Frederick was more
intent on opening the window than on imbibing the
good instructions that were given him. This he could
not do; therefore Harriet, by her mama's permission,
went to his assistance, and the store of provisions was
dispensed. As many of the birds had nests, they eat
their meal with all possible expedition; among this
number were the Robins, who despatched the business
as soon as they could, for the Hen was anxious to
return to her little ones, and the Cock to procure them
a breakfast; and having given his young friends a song
before they left their bedchambers, he did not think it
necessary to stay to sing any more; they therefore
departed.
When the mother-bird arrived at the ivy-wall, she
stopped at the entrance of the nest with a palpitating
heart; but, seeing her brood all safe and well, she
hastened to take them under her wings. As soon
as she was seated, she observed that they were not so
cheerful as usual. What is the matter? said she;
How have you agreed during my absence? To these
questions all were unwilling to reply; for the truth
was that they had been quarreling almost the whole
time. What! all silent ? said she; I fear you have
not obeyed my commands, but have been contending.
I desire you will tell me the truth. Robin, knowing
that he was the greatest offender, began to justify him-
self before the others could have time to accuse him.
I am sure, mother, said he, I only gave Dick a little
peck, because he crowded me so; and all the others
joined with him, and fell upon me at once.
Since you have begun, Robin, answered Dicky, I
15
must speak, for you gave me a very hard peck indeed;
and I was afraid you had put out my eye. I am sure
I made all the room I could for you, but you said you
ought to have half the nest, and to be master when
your father and mother were out, because you are the
eldest.
I do not love to tell tales, said Flapsy, but what
Dicky says is very true, Robin; and you plucked two
or three little feathers out of me, only because I begged
you not to use us ill.
And you set your foot very hard upon me, cried
Pecksy, for telling you that you had forgotten your
dear mother's command..
This is a sad story indeed, said the mother. I am
very sorry to find, Robin, that you already discover
such a turbulent disposition. If you go on in this
manner we shall have no peace in the nest; nor can
I leave it with any degree of satisfaction. As for
your being the eldest, though it makes me show you a
preference on all proper occasions, it does not give you
a privilege to domineer over your brothers and sisters.
You are all equally the objects of our tender care,
which we shall exercise impartially among you, pro-
vided you do not forfeit it by bad behaviour. To show
you that you are not master of the nest, I desire you
to get from under my wing, and sit on the outside,
while I cherish those who are dutiful and good. Robin,
greatly mortified, retired from his mother; on which
Dicky, with the utmost kindness, began to intercede
for him. Pardon Robin, my dear mother, I entreat
you, said he; I heartily forgive his treatment of me,
and would not have complained to you, had it not
been necessary for my own justification.
16
• You are a good bird, Dicky, said his mother; but
such an offence as this must be repented of before it
is pardoned. At this instant her mate returned with
a fine worm, and looked as usual for Robin, who lay
skulking by himself. Give it, said the mother, to'
Dicky; Robin must be served last this morning; nay,
I do not know whether I shall permit him to have any
victuals all day. Dicky was very unwilling to mortify
his brother ; but, on his mother's commanding him not
to detain his father, he opened his mouth, and swallow-
ed the delicious mouthful. What can be the matter,
said the good father, when he had emptied his mouth :
surely none of the little ones have been naughty? But
I cannot stop to inquire at present, for I left another
fine worm, which may be gone if I do not make haste
back.
As soon as he departed, Dicky renewed his entreaties
that Robin might be forgiven ; but, as he'sat swelling
with anger and disdain, because he fancied that the
eldest should not be shoved to the outside of his
mother's wing, while the others were fed, she would
not hear a word in his behalf. The father soon came
and fed Flapsy, and then thinking it best for his mate
to continue her admonitions, he flew off again; during
her father's absence, Pecksy, whose little heart was
full of affectionate concern for the punishment of her
brother, thus attempted to comfort him.
Dear Robin, do not grieve, I will give you my
breakfast, if my mother will let me. Oh, said Robin,
I do not want any breakfast; if I may not be served
first, I will have none. Shall I ask my mother to
forgive you, said Pecksy? I do not want any of your
intercessions, replied he; if you had not been a parcel
1
lay .
of ill natured things I should not have been pushed
about as I am.
Come back, Pecksy, said the mother, who overheard
them, I will not have you converse with so naughty a
bird. I forbid every one of you even to go near him.
The father then arrived, and Pecksy was fed. You
may rest yourself, my dear, said the mother, your
morning's tásk is ended. Why, what has Robin done ?
asked he. What I am sorry to relate, she replied ;
quarreled with his brothers and sisters. Quarreled with
his brothers and sisters ? you surprise me: I could not
have suspected he would have been either so foolish or
so unkind. O, this is not all, said the mother, for he
presumes on being the eldest, and claims half the nest
to himself when we are absent, and now is sullen be-
cause he is disgraced, and not fed first as usual. If
this is the case, replied the father, leave me to settle
this business, my dear, and pray go into the air a little,
for you seem to be sadly vexed. I am disturbed, said
she, I confess; for, after all my care and kindness, I
did not expect such a sad return as this. I am sorry to
expose this perverse bird even to you, but he will not
be corrected by me. I will do as you desire, go into
the air a little; so saying, she repaired to a neigh-
bouring tree, where she anxiously waited the event of
her mate's admonition.
As soon as the mother departed, the father thus
addressed the delinquent. And so, Robin, you want
to be master of the nest ? A pretty master you would
make indeed, who do not know even how to govern
your own temper! I will not stand to talk much to you
now, but depend upon it I will not suffer you to use
any of the family ill, particularly your good mother;
18
and if you persist in obstinacy, I will certainly turn you
out of the nest before you can fly. These threatenings
intimidated Robin, and he also began to be very hungry
as well as cold; he therefore promised to behave better
for the future, and his brother and sisters pleaded
earnestly that he might be forgiven and restored to his
usual place.
: I can say nothing in respect to the last particular,
replied the father, that depends upon his mother; but
as it is his first offence, and he seems to be very sorry,
I will myself pardon it, and intercede for him with his
mother. On this he left the nest to seek for her.
Return, my dear, said he, to your beloved family;
Robin seems sensible of his offence, and longs to ask
your forgiveness. Pleased at this intelligence, the
mother raised her drooping head, and closed her wings,
which hung mournfully by her sides, expressive of the
dejection of her spirits. I fly to give it him, said she,
and hastened into the nest. In the meanwhile Robin
wished for, yet dreaded, her return.
As soon as he saw her he lifted up a supplicating eye,
and in a weak tone (for hunger and sorrow had made him
faint) he cried, Forgive me, dear mother, I will not again
offend you. I accept your submission, Robin, said she,
and will once more receive you to my wing; but indeed
your behaviour has made me very unhappy. She then
made room for him, he nestled closely to her side, and
soon found the benefit of her fostering heat; but he was
still hungry, yet he had not confidence to ask his father
to fetch him any victuals; but this kind parent, seeing
that his mother had received him into favour, flew with
all speed to an adjacent field, where he soon met with
a worm, which with tender love he presented to Robin,
19
who swallowed it with gratitude. Thus was peace
restored to the nest, and the happy mother once more
rejoiced that harmony reigned in the family. .
A few days after a fresh disturbance took place. All
the little Redbreasts, excepting Pecksy, in turn com-
mitted some fault or other, for which they were occasion-
ally punished; but she was of so amiable a disposition,
that it was her constant study to act with propriety, and
avoid giving offence; on which account she was justly
caressed by her parents with distinguished kindness.
This excited the envy of the others, and they joined
together to treat her ill, giving her the title of the
Favourite ; saying, that they made no doubt their father
and mother would reserve the nicest morsels for their
darling.
Poor Pecksy bore all their reproaches with patience,
hoping that she should in time regain their good opinion
by her gentleness and affection. But it happened one
day, that, in the midst of their tauntings, their mother
unexpectedly returned, who, hearing an uncommon
noise among her young ones, stopped on the ivy to
learn the cause; and as soon as she discovered it, she
made her appearance at the entrance of the nest, with
a countenance that showed she knew what was going
on.
Are these the sentiments, said she, that subsist in a
family which ought to be bound together by love and
kindness? Which of you has cause to reproach either
your father or me with partiality? Do we not, with
the exactest equality, distribute the fruits of our labours
among you? And in what respect has poor Pecksy
the preference, but in that praise which is justly her
due, and which you do not strive to deserve ? Has she
20
ever yet uttered a complaint against you, though, from
the dejection of her countenance, which she in vain
attempted to conceal, it is evident that she has suffered
your reproaches for some days past? I positively com-
mand you to treat her otherwise, for it is a mother's
duty to succour a persecuted nestling; and I will cer-
tainly admit her next my heart, and banish you all from
that place you have hitherto possessed in it, if you suffer
envy and jealousy to occupy your bosoms, instead of
that tender love which she, as the kindest of Sisters, has
a right to expect from you.
Robin, Dicky, and Flapsy, were quite confounded
by their mother's reproof, and Pecksy, sorry that they
had incurred the displeasure of so tender a parent,
kindly endeavoured to soften her anger. That I have
been vexed, my dear mother, said she, is true, but not
so much as you suppose ; and I am ready to believe
that my dear brothers and sister were not in earnest in
the severe things they said of me-perhaps they only
meant to try my affection. I now entreat them to be-
lieve, that I would willingly resign the greatest pleasure
in life, could I by that means increase their happiness;
and so far from wishing for the nicest morsel, I would
.content myself with the humblest fare, rather than any
of them should be disappointed. This tender speech
had its desired effect; it recalled those sentiments of
love which envy and jealousy had for a time banished:
all the nestlings acknowledged their faults, their mother
forgave them, a perfect reconciliation took place, to
the great joy of Pecksy, and indeed of all parties.
All the nestlings continued very good for several
days, and nothing happened worth relating; the little
family were soon covered with feathers, which their
21
mother taught them to dress, telling them that neatness
was a very essential thing, both for health, and also to
render them agreeable in the eye of the world.
Robin was a very strong robust bird, not remarkable
for his beauty; but there was a great briskness in his
manner, which covered many defects; and he was very
likely to attract notice. His father judged, from the
tone of his chirpings, that he would be a very good
songster.
· Dicky had a remarkably fine plumage; his breast
was of a beautiful red, his body and wings of an elegant
mottled brown, and his eyes sparkled like diamonds.
Flapsy was also very pretty, but more distinguished
for the elegance of her shape than for the variety and
lustre of her feathers.
Pecksy had no outward charms to recommend her to
notice; but these defects were supplied by the sweet-
ness of her disposition. Her temper was constantly
serene, she was ever attentive to the happiness of her
parents, and would not have grieved them for the
world; and her affection for her brothers and sister was
so great, that she constantly preferred their interest to
her own, of which we have lately given an instance.
The kind parents attended to them with unremitting
affection, and made their daily visit to Master and Miss
Benson, who very punctually discharged the benevolent
office of feeding them. The Robin Redbreasts, made
familiar by repeated favours, approached nearer and
nearer to their little friends by degrees, and at length
ventured to enter the room and feed upon the break-
fast-table. Miss Harriet was delighted at this circum-
stance, and Frederick was quite transported; he longed
to catch the birds; but his mama told him that would
22
be the very means to drive them away. Miss Harriet
entreated him not to frighten them on any account;
and he was prevailed on to forbear; but could not
help expressing a wish that he had them in a cage, that
he might feed them all day long.
And do you really think, Frederick, said Mrs. Ben-
son, that these little delicate creatures are such gluttons
as to desire to be fed all day long? Could you tempt
them to do it, they would soon die; but they know
better, and as soon as their appetites are satisfied,
always leave off eating. Many a little boy may learn a
lesson from them. Do not you recollect one of your
acquaintance, who, if an apple-pie, or any thing else
that he calls nice, is set before him, will eat till he
makes himself sick? Frederick looked ashamed, being
conscious that he was too much inclined to indulge his
love of delicacies. Well, said his mama, I see you
understand who I mean, Frederick, so we will say no
more on that subject; only, when you meet with that
little gentleman, give my love to him, and tell him I
beg he will be as moderate as his Redbreasts.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

!
SA
NI
PRESES
*
S
.
.
A
.
a
.
V
A
IU
WOMAN
SSSSS
...
AXIMI
US
mille
.
SAS
.
A
Clasa
.
*
K
.
.
tivo?
3033
$
-.
S/
WA
.
C
IS
Tipo
W
.
-
.
X
AKT
1.
ing
W
.
gen
NA
72
RAW
WWW.
IE.
SI
BOLA
little
2.
.
.
-
.
.
.
Nick-
.
1
.
.
X
X
VES
.
-- --UNIS
SURE
XZ
WAV.
CHAP. III.
THE NESTLINGS FRIGHTENED BY A MONSTER.
.
The Cock bird, having finished his breakfast, flew out
at the window, followed by his mate; and as soon as
they were out of sight, Mrs. Benson continued her
discourse. And would you really confine these sweet
creatures in a cage, Frederick, merely to have the plea-
sure of feeding them? Should you like to be always
shut up in a little room, and think it sufficient if you
were supplied with victuals and drink? Is there no en-
joyment in running about, jumping, and going from
place to place? Do not you like to keep company
with little boys and girls ? And is there no pleasure in
breathing the fresh air? Though these little animals
are inferior to you, there is no doubt but they are capa-
ble of enjoyments similar to these ; and it must be a
dreadful life for a poor bird to be shut up in a cage,
24
where he cannot so much as make use of his wings;
where he is separated from his natural companions ;
and where he cannot possibly receive that refreshment
which the air must afford to him when at liberty to fly
to such a height. But this is not all, for many a poor
bird is caught and taken away from its family, after it
has been at the trouble of building a nest, has perhaps
laid its eggs, or even hatched its young ones, which are
by this means exposed to certain destruction. It is
likely that these very Redbreasts may have young ones,
for this is the season of the year for their hatching;
and I rather think they have, from the circumstance of
their always coming together. If that is the case, said
Miss Harriet, it would be pity indeed to confine them.
But why, mama, if it is wrong to catch birds, did you
at one time keep Canary-birds ?
The case is very different in respect to Canary-birds,
my dear, said Mrs. Benson; by keeping them in a cage,
I did them a kindness. I considered them as little
foreigners who claimed my hospitality. This kind of
bird came originally from a warm climate ; they are in
their nature very susceptible of cold, and would perish
in the open air in our winters; neither does the food
which they feed on grow plentifully in this country;
and as here they are always bred in cages, they do not
know how to procure the materials for their nest abroad.
And there is another particular which would greatly
distress them were they to be turned loose, which is,
the persecution they would be exposed to from other
birds. I remember once to have seen a poor hen
Canary-bird, which had been turned loose because it
could not sing; and surely no creature could be more
miserable. It was starving for want of victuals, famish-
25
ing with thirst, shivering with cold, and looked terrified
to the greatest degree; while a parcel of Sparrows and
Chaffinches pursued it from place to place, twittering
and chirping with every mark of insult. I could not
help fancying the little creature to be like a foreigner
just landed from some distant country, followed by a
rude rabble of boys, who were ridiculing him because
his dress and language were strange to them.
And what became of the poor little creature, mama ?
said Miss Harriet. I was going to tell you, my dear,
replied Mrs. Benson; I ordered the servant to bring
me a cage, with seed and water in their usual places ;
this I caused to be hung on a tree, next to that in which
the little sufferer in vain endeavoured to hide herself
among the leaves from her cruel pursuers. No sooner
did the servant retire than the poor little wretch flew
to it. I immediately had the cage brought into the
parlour, where I experienced great pleasure in observ-
ing what happiness the poor creature enjoyed in her
deliverance. I kept it some years; but not choosing
to confine her in a little cage, I had a large one bought,
and procured a companion for her of her own species.
I supplied them with materials for building; and from
them proceeded a little colony, which grew so nu-
nierous, that you know I gave them to Mr. Bruce to
put into his aviary, where you have seen them enjoying
themselves. So now I hope I have fully accounted for
having kept Canary-birds in a cage. You have indeed,
mama, said Harriet.
I have also, said Mrs. Benson, occasionally kept
Larks. In severe winters, vast numbers of them come
to this country from a colder climate, and many perish.
Quantities of them are killed and sold for the spit; and
SA
26
the bird-catchers usually have a great many to sell;
and many an idle boy has some to dispose of. I fre-
quently buy them, as you know, Harriet; but as soon as
the fine weather returns I constantly set them at liberty.
But come, my dears, prepare for your morning walk,
and afterwards let me see you in my dressing-room.
I wonder, said Frederick, whether our Redbreasts
have got a nest! I will watch to-morrow which way
they fly; for I should like to see the little ones. And
what will you do should you find them out? said his
mama; not take the nest, I hope? Why, replied Fre-
derick, I should like to bring it home, mama, and put
it in a tree near the house; and then I would scatter
crumbs for the old ones to feed them with.
Your design is a kind one, said Mrs. Benson, but
would greatly distress your little favourites. Many
birds, through fear, forsake their nests when they are
removed; therefore I desire you to let them alone if
you should chance to find them. Miss Harriet then
remarked that she thought it very cruel to take birds'
nests. Ah! my dear, said Mrs. Benson, those who
commit such barbarous actions are quite insensible to
the distresses they occasion. It is very true, that we
ought not to indulge so great a degree of pity and ten-
derness for animals as for those who are more properly
our fellow-creatures; I mean men, women, and chil-
dren: but, as every living creature can feel, we should
have a constant regard to those feelings, and strive to
give happiness rather than inflict misery. But go, my
dear, and take your walk. Mrs. Benson then left
them to attend her usual morning employments; and
the young lady and gentleman, attended by their maid,
passed an agreeable half hour in the garden.
27
In the mean time the Hen Redbreast returned to the
nest, while her mate took his flight in search of food
for his family. When the mother approached the nest,
she was surprised at not hearing as usual the chirping
of her young ones; and what was her astonishment at
seeing them all crowded together, trembling with appre-
hension! What is the matter, my nestlings, said she,
that I find you in this terror?
Oh, my dear mother! cried Robin, who first ven-
tured to raise up his head, is it you? Pecksy then
revived, and entreated her mother to come into the nest,
which she did without delay, and the little tremblers ,
creeped under her wings, endeavouring to conceal them-
selves in this happy retreat.
What has terrified you in this manner? said she. Oh!
I do not know, replied Dicky, but we have seen such
a monster as I never beheld before. A monster, my
dear! pray describe it. I cannot, said Dicky, it was
too frightſul to be described. Frightful, indeed, cried
Robin; but I had a full view of it, and will give the
best description I can.
We were all sitting peaceably in the nest, and very
happy together; Dicky and I were trying to sing, when
suddenly we heard a noise against the wall, and pre-
sently a great round red face appeared before the nest,
with a pair of enormous staring eyes, a very large beak,
and below that a wide mouth with two rows of bones
that looked as if they could grind us all to pieces in an
instant. About the top of this round face, and down
the sides, hung something black, but not like feathers.
When the two staring eyes had looked at us for some
time, the wliole thing disappeared. I cannot at all
conceive from your description, Robin, what this thing
C 2
28
0
could be, said the mother, but perhaps it may come
· again.
Oh! I hope not, cried Flapsy, I shall die with fear
if it does. Why so, my love? said her mother, has it
done you any harm ? I cannot say it has, replied Flapsy.
Well then, you do very wrong, my dear, in giving way
to such apprehensions. You must strive to get the
better of this fearful disposition : when you go abroad
in the world you will see many strange objects; and if
you are terrified at every appearance which you cannot
account for, you will live a most unhappy life. Endea-
vour to be good, and then you need not fear any thing.
But here comes your father, perhaps he will be able
to explain the appearance which has so alarmed you
to-day.
As soon as the father had given the worm to Robin,
he was preparing to depart for another, but, to his sur-
prise, all the rest of the nestlings begged him to stay,
declaring they had rather go without their meal, on con-
dition he would but remain at home and take care of
them. Stay at home and take care of you! said he.
Why is that more necessary now than usual? The mo-
ther then related the strange occurrence that had occa-
sioned this request. Nonsense! said he, a monster!
great eyes! large mouth! long beak! I don't understand
such stuff. Besides, as it did them no harm, why are
they to be in such terror now it is gone? Don't be
angry, dear father, said Pecksy, for it was very frightful
indeed. Well, said he, I will fly all round the orchard,
and perhaps I may meet this monster. Oh! it will eat
you up! it will eat you up! said Flapsy. Never fear,
said he; and away he flew.
The mother then again attempted to calm them, but
all in vain; their fears were now redoubled for their
29
father's safety: however, to their great joy, he soon re-
turned. Well, said he, I have seen this monster: the
little ones then clung to their mother, fearing the dread-
ful creature was just at hand. What, afraid again!
cried he, a parcel of stout hearts I have in my nest
truly! Why, when you fly about in the world, you will
in all probability see hundreds of such monsters (as you
call them), unless you choose to confine yourselves to a
retired life: nay, even in woods and groves you will be
liable to meet some of them, and those of the most
mischievous kind. I begin to comprehend, said the
mother, that these dear nestlings have seen the face of a
man. Even so, replied her mate; it is a man, no other
than our friend the gardener, who has so alarmed them.
A man! cried Dicky; was that frightful thing a man?
Nothing more, I assure you, answered his father, and a
good man too, I have reason to believe; for he is very
careful not to frighten your mother and me when we
are picking up worms, and has frequently thrown crumbs
to us when he was eating his breakfast.
. And does he live in this garden? said Flapsy. He
works here very often, replied her father, but is fre-
quently absent. O then, cried she, pray take us abroad
when he is away, for indeed I cannot bear to see him.
You are a little simpleton, said the father; and if you
do not endeavour to get more resolution, I will leave
you in the nest by yourself, when I am teaching your
brothers and sister to fly and peck; and what will you
do then ? for you must not expect we shall go from
them lo bring you food. Flapsy, fearful that her father
would be quite angry, promised to follow his directions
in every respect; and the rest, animated by his discourse,
began to recover their spirits. . . ,
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

.
+
.
.
.
.
4
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
WE
WA
UNIT
"
HU
*
1.
illustim
Hitlullila milli
IHM
Tum
s
.
IG
WIU
LA
1
ti
-
V
CHAP. IV.
JOE THE GARDENER BRINGING NEWS OF THE BIRD'S
NEST TO MISS HARRIET AND MASTER FREDERICK.
WHILST the terrible commotions, related in the lasti
chapter, passed in the nest, the monster, who was no
other than honest Joe the gardener went to the house,
and inquired for his young master and mistress, having,
as he justly supposed, some very pleasing news to tell
them. Both the young gentleman and lady very readily
attended, thinking he had got some fruit or flowers for
them. Well, Joe, said Miss Benson, what have you to
say to us? Have you got a peach or a nectarine ? or
have you brought me a root of Sweet William?
31
No, Miss Harriet, said Joe; but I have something
to tell you that will please you as much as tho'f I had.
What's that? what's that? said Frederick. Why,
Master Frederick, said Joe, a pair of Robins have
com’d mortal often to one place in the orchard lately;
so, thinks I, these birds have got a nest. So, I watches,
and watches, and at last I see'd the old hen fly into a
hole in the ivy wall. I had a fancy to set my ladder
and look in; but, as master ordered me not to frighten
the birds, I stayed till the old one flew out again, and
then I mounted, and there I see'd the little creatures
full fledged; and, if you and Miss Harriet may go with
me, I will show them to you, for the nest is but a little
way from the ground, and you may easily get up the
į step-ladder.
Frederick was in raptures, being confident that these
were the identical Robins he was so attached to, and,
like a little thoughtless boy as he was, he would have
gone immediately with the gardener, had not his sister
reminded him, that it was proper to ask mama's leave
first; she therefore told Joe she would let him know
when she had done so.
When the Redbreasts had quieted the fears of their
young family, and fed them as usual; they retired to a
tree, desiring their little nestlings not to be terrified if
the monster should look in upon them again, as it was
very probable he would do. They promised to bear
the sight as well as they could.
When the old ones were seated in the tree, It is time,
said the father, to take our nestlings abroad. You see,
my love, how very timorous they are; and if we do not
use them a little to the world, they will never be able
to shift for themselves. Very true, replied the mother,
32
they are now full fledged, and therefore, if you please,
we will take them out to-morrow: but prepare them
for it. One of the best. preparatives, answered her
mate, will be to leave them by themselves a little ;
therefore we will now, take a flight together, and then
go back. The mother complied, but she longed to be
with her dear family.
When they stopped a little to rest on a tree, Last
year, said the Hen Redbreast, it was my misfortune to
be deprived of my nestlings by some cruel boys, before
they were quite fledged, and it is that which makes me
so timid now, that I do not feel comfortable when I am
away from them.
A calamity of the same kind befell me, replied the
father, I never shall forget it. I had been taking a
flight in the woods in order to procure some nice
morsels for one of my nestlings: when I returned to
the place in which I had imprudently built, the first
circumstance that alarmed me, was a part of my nest
scattered on the ground just at the entrance of my ha-
bitation ; I then perceived a large opening in the wall,
where before there was only room for myself to pass.
I stopped with a beating heart, in hopes of hearing the
chirpings of my beloved family, but all was silence. I
then resolved to enter; but what was my consternation
when I found that the nest, which my dear mate and I
had with so much labour built, and the dear little ones,
who were the joy of our lives, were stolen away; nay,
I did not know but the tender mother also was taken.
I rushed out of the place, distracted with apprehensions
for the miseries they might endure ; lamenting my weak-
ness, which rendered me incapable of rescuing them; I
was ready to tear off my own feathers with vexation;
33
but recollecting that my dear mate might in all proba-
bility have escaped, I resolved to go in search of her.
As I was flying along I saw three boys, whose ap-
pearance was far from disagreeable; one of them held
in his hand my nest of young ones, which he eyed with
cruel delight, while his companions seemed to share
his joy.
The dear little creatures, insensible of their fate (for
they were newly hatched), opened their mouths expect-
ing to be fed by me or their mother, but all in vain; to
have attempted feeding them at this time would have
been inevitable destruction to myself; but I resolved
to follow the barbarians, that I might at least see to
what place my darlings were consigned.
In a short time the party arrived at a house, and he
who before held the nest now committed it to the care
of another; but soon returned with a kind of victuals I
was totally unacquainted with; and with this my young
ones, when they gaped for food, were fed; hunger in-
duced them to swallow it, but soon after, missing the
warmth of their mother, they set up a general cry,
which pierced my very heart. Immediately after this
the nest was carried away, and what 'became of my
nestlings afterwards I never could discover, though í
frequently hovered about the fata] spot of their impri-
sonment with the hope of seeing them.
Pray, said the Hen Redbreast, what became of your
mate? Why, my dear, said he, when I found there was
no chance of assisting my little ones, I pursued my
course, and sought her in every place of our usual
resort, but to no purpose : at length I returned to the
bush, where I beheld an afflicting sight indeed, my be-
loved companion lying on the ground just expiring! I.
SY
C3
34
flew to her instantly, and endeavoured to recall her to
life. At the sound of my voice she lifted up her languid
eyelids, and said, And are you then safe, my love; what
is become of our little ones? In hopes of comforting
her, I told her they were alive and well; but she re-
plied, Your consolations come too late; the blow is
struck, I feel my death approaching. The horror
which seized me when I missed my nestlings, and sup-
posed myself robbed at once of my mate and infants,
was too powerful for my weak frame to sustain. Oh!
why will the human race be so wantonly cruel? The
agonies of death now came on, and, after a few con-
vulsive pangs, she breathed her last, and left me an
unhappy widower. I passed the renainder of the
summer, and a dreary winter that succeeded it, in a
very uncomfortable manner; though the natural cheer-
fulness of my disposition did not leave me long a prey
to unavailing sorrow. I resolved the following spring
to seek another mate, and had the good fortune to
meet with you, whose amiable disposition has renewed
my happiness.-And now, my dear, said he, let me ask
you what became of your former companion ?
Why, replied the Hen Redbreast, soon after the loss
of our nest, as he was endeavouring to discover what
was become of it, a cruel hawk caught him up and de-
voured him in an instant.
I need not say that I felt the bitterest pangs for his
loss; it is sufficient to inform you, that I led a solitary
life till I met with you, whose endearing behaviour has
made society again agreeable to me.
e
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

.
NA
NI
A
21.
val
.
COM
zor
5301/TIG
20V
.
CO
.
VE
m
V
.
SAR
Kiy
OOO
: .
LOON
HT
.
.
SA
.
.
Wh
V
ON
CHAP. V.
MISS HARRIET AND MASTER FREDERICK VIEWING
THE ROBINS' NEST.
As soon as Mrs. Benson returned to her children,
Master Frederick ran up to her, saying, Good news!
Good news! mama, Joe has found the Robins' nest.
Has he indeed! said Mrs. Benson. Yes, mama, said
Miss Harriet, and if agreeable to you, we shall be glad
to go along with Joe to see it. But how are you to
get at it, said the lady, for I suppose it is some height
from the ground? Oh! I can climb a ladder very well,
cried Frederick. You climb a ladder! You are a clever
gentleman at climbing, I know, replied his mama; but
do you purpose to mount too, Harriet? I think this is
rather an indelicate scheme for a lady. Joe tells me
that the nest is but a very little way from the ground,
36 .
ht
inama, answered Harriet; but if I find it otherwise,
you may depend on my not going.up.--On this condi-
tion I will permit you to go, said Mrs. Benson; but
pray, Mr. Frederick, let me remind you not to frighten
your little favourites. Not for all the world, said Fre-
derick: so away he skipped, and ran to Joe before his
sister. We may go! we may go, Joe! cried he. Stay,
for me, Joe, I beg, said Miss Harriet, who presently
joined him.
As soon as Joe found that the young gentry, as he
called them, had obtained permission to accompany
him, he took Frederick by the hand, and said, Come
along; my young master. Frederick's impatience was
so great, that he could scarcely be restrained from run-
ning all the way, but his sister entreated him not to
make himself too hot.
At length they arrived at the desired spot; Joe
placed the ladder, and his young master, with a little
assistance, mounted it very nimbly: but who can des-
cribe his raptures when he beheld the nestlings! Oh,
the sweet creatures, cried he, there are four of them, I
declare! I never saw any thing so pretty in my life! I
wish I might carry you all home! That you must not
do, Frederick, said his sister; and I beg you will come
away, for you will either terrify the little creatures, or
alarm the old birds, which perhaps are now waiting
somewhere near to feed them. Well, I will come
away directly, said Frederick; and so good bye, Robins!
I hope you will come soon, along with your father and
mother, to be fed in the parlour. He then, under the
conduct of his friend Joe, descended.
Joe next addressed Miss Harriet: Now, my young
mistress, said he, will you go up? As the steps of the
To
111
37
1
ladder were broad, and the nest was not high, Miss
Benson ventured to go up, and was equally delighted
with her brother, but so fearful of terrifying the little
birds, and alarming the old ones, that she would only
indulge herself with a peep at the nest. Frederick
inquired how she liked the young Robins? They are
sweet creatures, said she, and I hope they will soon
join our party of birds, for they appear to me ready
to fly; but let us return to mama, for you know we
promised her to stay but a little while; besides, we
hinder Joe from his work. Never mind that, said the
honest fellow, master won't be angry, I am sartain;
and if I thought he would, I would work an hour later
to fetch up lost time. Thank you, Joe, replied Miss
Harriet, but I am sure papa would not desire you to
do so.
At this instant Frederick perceived the two Red-
breasts, who were returning from their proposed ex-
cursion, and called to his sister to observe them. He
was very desirous to watch whether they would go
back to their nest, but she would on no account consent
to stay, lest her mama should be displeased, and lest
the birds should be frightened; Frederick, therefore,
with reluctance followed her, and Joe attended them to
the house.,
As soon as they were out of sight the Hen bird pro.
posed to return to the nest: she had observed the
party, and though she did not see them looking into
hier habitation, she supposed, from their being so near,
that they had been taking a view of it, and told her
suspicions to her mate. He agreed with her, and said
he now expected to hear a fine story from the nestlings.
Let us return, however, said the mother, for perhaps
40
S
38
they have been terrified again. Well, said he, I will
attend you then; but let me caution you, my dear, not
to indulge their fearful disposition, because such indul-
gence will certainly prove injurious to them. I will do
the best I can, replied she, and then flew to the nest
followed by her mate.
She alighted upon the ivy, and peeping into the nest,
inquired how they all did ? Very well, dear mother,
said 'Robin. What, cried the father (who now alighted),
all safe! Not one eat up by the monster? No, father,
replied Dicky, we are not devoured; and yet, I assure
you, the monster we saw before has been here again,
and brought two others with him. Two others ! what,
like himself ? said the father: I thought, Flapsy, you
were to die with apprehension if you saw him again?
And so I believe I should have done, had not you, my
good father, taught me to conquer my fears, replied
Flapsy. When I saw the top of him, my heart began
to flutter to such a degree that I was ready to die, and
every feather of me shook; but when I found he stayed
but a very little while, I recovered, and was in hopes
he was quite gone. My brothers and sister, I believe,
felt as I did; but we comforted one another that the
danger was over for this day, and all agreed to make
ourselves happy, and not fear this monster, since you
had assured us he was very harmless. However, before
we were perfectly come to ourselves, we heard very
uncommon noises, sometimes a hoarse sound, disagree-
able to our ears as the croaking of a raven, and some-
times a shriller noise, quite unlike the note of any bird
that we know of, and immediately after, something pre-
sented itself to our view which bore a little resemblance
to the monster; but by no means so large and frightful. :
39
Instead of being all over red, it had on each side two
spots of a more beautiful hue than Dicky's breast; the
rest of it was of a more delicate white, excepting two
streaks of a deep red, like the cherry you brought us
the other day, and between these two streaks were rows
of white bones, but by no means dreadful to behold,
like those of the great monster; its eyes were blue and
white, and round this agreeable face was something
which I cannot describe, very pretty, and as glossy as
the feathers of a goldfinch. There was so cheerful and
pleasing a look in this creature altogether, that notwith-
standing I own I was rather afraid, yet I had pleasure
in looking at it; but it stayed a very little time, and
then disappeared. While we were puzzling ourselves
with conjectures concerning it, another creature, larger
than it, appeared before us, equally beautiful, and with
an aspect so mild and gentle, that we were all charmed
with it; but as if fearful of alarming us by its stay, it
immediately retired, and we have been longing for your
and my mother's return, in hopes you would be able to
tell us what we have seen.
I am happy, my dears, said the mother, to find you.
more composed than I expected: for as your father and
I were flying together in order to come back to you, we
observed the monster, and the two pretty creatures
Pecksy has described; the former is, as your father
before informed you, our friend the gardener, and the
others are our young benefactors, by whose bounty we
are every day regaled; and who, I will venture to say,
will do you no harm. You cannot think how kindly
they treat us; and though there are a number of other
birds who share their goodness, your father and I are
favoured with their particular regard.
40
Oh! said Pecksy, are these sweet creatures your
friends ? I long to go abroad that I inay see them
again. Well, cried Flapsy, I perceive that if we judge
from appearances we may often be mistaken; who
would have thought that such an ugly monster as that
gardener could have had a tender heart? Very true,
replied the mother; you must make it a rule, Flapsy,
to judge of mankind by their actions, and not by their
looks. I have known some of them whose appear-
ance was as engaging as that of our young benefactors,
who were, notwithstanding, barbarous enough to take
eggs out of a nest and spoil them : nay, even to carry
away nest and all before the young ones were fledged,
without knowing how to feed them, or having any re-
gard to the sorrows of the tender parents.
Oh! what dangers there are in the world! cried
Pecksy; I shall be afraid to leave the nest. Why so,
my love? said the mother; every bird does not meet
with hawks and cruel children. You have already, as
you sat on the nest, seen thousands of the feathered
race, of one kind or other, making their airy excur-
sions, full of mirth and gaiety. This orchard con-
stantly resounds with the melody of those who chant
forth their songs of joy; and I believe there are no
beings in the world happier than birds, for we are na-
turally formed for cheerfulness, and I trust that a pru-
dent precaution, and following the rules we shall from
our experience be able to give you, will preserve you
from the dangers to which the feathered race are ex-
posed.
Instead of indulging your fears, Flapsy, said the
father, summon up all your courage, for to-morrow
you shall, with your brothers and sister, begin to see
TT
41
the world. Dicky expressed great delight at this de-
claration, and Robin boasted that he had not the least
remains of fear. Flapsy, though still apprehensive of
monsters, yet longed to see the gaieties of life, and
Pecksy wished to comply with every desire of her dear
parents. The approach of evening now reminded them
that it was time to take repose, and turning its head
under its wing, each bird soon resigned itself to the
gentle powers of sleep.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

111
U
TI
1
1
11IY:
.
_
G
NI
B
...
WIL
!
IN
in UREFULL
IIIIIII
-
C
AN
CHAP. VI.
MASTER JENKINS TYING THE CAT AND DOG TOGE-
THER MASTER FREDERICK PLAYING UPON THE
HAND-ORGAN.
AFTER Master and Miss Benson had been gratified
with the sight of the Robins' nest, they were returning
to the house, conducted by their friend Joe, when they
were met in the garden by their mama, accompanied
by Miss Lucy Jenkins and her brother Edward. The
former was a fine girl about ten years old, the latter a
robust rude boy, turned of eleven. We were coming
to seek you, my dears, said Mrs. Benson to her children,
for I was fearful that the business you went upon would
make you forget your young visitors.
I cannot answer for Frederick, replied Miss Benson,
but indeed, mama, I would not on any account have
slighted my friends.--How do you do, my dear Miss
43
Jenkins ? said she, I am happy to see you. Will you
go with me into the play-room? I have got some very
pretty new books.--Frederick, have you nothing to
show Master Jenkins ? O yes, said Frederick, I have
got a new ball, a new top, a new organ, and twenty
pretty things; but I had rather go back and show him
the Robins.
The Robins! said Master Jenkins, what Robins ?
Why, our Robins that have built in the ivy-wall.
You never saw any thing so pretty in your life as the
little ones.
Oh, I can see birds enow at home, said Master Jen-
kins; but why did you not take the nest? it would have
been nice diversion to you to toss the young birds
about. I have had a great many nests this year, and
do believe I have an hundred eggs.
An hundred eggs! and how do you propose to hatch
them? said Miss Harriet, who turned back on hearing
him talk in this manner.
Hatch them, Miss Benson? said he, who ever thinks
of hatching birds' eggs?
Oh, then you eat them, said Frederick, or perhaps
let your cook make puddings of them?
No, indeed, replied Master Jenkins, I blow out the
inside, and then run a thread through them, and give
them to Lucy to hang up amongst her curiosities; and
very pretty they look, I assure you.
And so, said Miss Harriet, you had rather see a
string of empty egg-shells, than hear a sweet concert
of birds singing in the trees? I admire your taste,
truly!
Why, is there any harm in taking birds? eggs? said
Miss Jenkins; I never before heard that there was.
.
TIL
ILIL
S
44
My dear mama, replied Miss Benson, has taught
me to think there is harm in every action which gives
causeless pain to any living creature; and I own I
have a very particular affection for birds. i
Well, said Miss Jenkins, I have no notion of such
affections, for my part. Sometimes, indeed, I try to
rear those which Edward brings home, but they are
teasing troublesome things, and I am not lucky; to
tell the truth, I do not concern myself much about
them; if they live they live, and if they die they die.
He has brought me three nests this day to plague me:
I thought to have fed the birds before I came out, but
being in a hurry to come to see you, I quite forgot it.-
Did you feed them, Edward ? Not I, said he, I thought
you would do it; 'tis enough for me to find the nests.
And have you actually left three nests of young birds
at home without victuals! exclaimed Miss Harriet.
I did not think of them, but will feed them when I
return, said Miss Jenkins.
Oh, cried Miss Benson, I cannot bear the thoughts
of what the poor little creatures must suffer.
Well, said Master Jenkins, since you feel so much
for them, I think, Miss Harriet, you will make the best
nurse.—What say you, Lucy, will you give the nests to
Miss Benson? With all my heart, replied his sister;
and pray do not plague me wich any more of them.
I do not know that my mama will let me accept
them, said Miss Benson ; but if she will, I shall be
glad to do so.
Frederick inquired what birds they were; and Mas-
ter Jenkins informed him there was a nest of linnets, a
nest of sparrows, and another of blackbirds. Frederick
was all impatience to see them; and Miss Harriet
171
45
longed to have the little creatures in her possession,
that she might rescue them from their deplorable 'con-
dition, and lessen the evils of captivity which they now
suffered.
Her mama had left her with her young companions,
that they might indulge themselves in innocent amuse-
ments without restraint; but the tender-hearted Harriet
could not engage in any diversion till she had made
intercession in behalf of the poor birds : she therefore
begged Miss Jenkins would accompany her to her
mama, in order to ask permission to have the birds'
nests. She accordingly went, and made her request
known to Mrs. Benson, who readily consented; ob-
serving, that though she had a very great objection to
her children's having birds' nests, yet she could not
deny her daughter on the present occasioa. Harriet,
from an unwillingness to expose her friend, had said
but little on the subject; but Mrs. Benson, having
from a 'merciful motive, and knowing that Miss Jenkins
had no kind mama to give her instruction, she thus ad-
dressed her:
1 perceive, my young friend, that Harriet is appre-
hepsive that the birds will not meet with the same kind
treatment from you, which she is disposed to give them.
I cannot think you have any cruelty in your nature, but
perhaps you have accustomed yourself to consider birds
only as playthings, without sense or feeling; to me,
who am a great admirer of the beautiful little crea-
tures, they appear in a very different light; and I have
been an attentive observer of them, I assure you.
Though they have not the gift of speech, like us, all
kinds of birds have particular notes which answer in
46
some measure the purpose of words among them, by
means of which they can call to their young ones, ex-
press their love for them, their fears for their safety,
their anger towards those that would hurt them, &c.
from which we may infer that it is cruel to rob birds of
their young, deprive them of their liberty, or exclude
them from the blessings suited to their natures, for
which it is impossible for us to give them an equiva-
lent.
Besides, these creatures, insignificant as they appear
in your estimation, were made by God as well as you.
Have you not read in the New Testament, my dear,
that our Saviour said, · Blessed are the merciful, for
they shall obtain mercy?' How then can you expect
that God will send his blessing upon you, if instead of
endeavouring to imitate him in being merciful to the
utmost of your power, you are wantonly cruel to inno- ·
cent creatures which he designed for happiness?
This admonition from Mrs. Benson, which Miss
Jenkins did not expect, made her look very serious, and
brought tears into her eyes : on which the good lady
took her by the hand, and kindly said, I wish not to
distress you, my dear, but merely to awaken the natural
sentiments of your heart; reflect at your leisure on
what I have taken the liberty of saying to you, and I
am sure you will think me your friend. I knew your
dear mama, and can assure you she was remarkable for
the tenderness of her disposition. But let me not de-
tain you from your amusements; go to your own apart-
ment, Harriet, and use your best endeavours to make
your visitors happy. You cannot this evening fetch
the birds, because when Miss Jenkins goes it will be
too late for you to take so long a walk, as you must
47
come back afterwards; and I make no doubt but that
to oblige you she will feed them to-night.
Miss Harriet and Miss Jenkins returned, and found
Frederick diverting himself with the hand-organ, which
had lately been presented by his god-papa; but Mas-
ter Jenkins had laid hold of Miss Harriet's dog, and
was searching, his own pocket for a piece of string,
that he might tie him and the cat together, to see, as
he said, how nicely they would fight; and so fully was
he bent on this cruel purpose, that it was with difficulty
he could be prevailed on to relinquish it.
Dear me, said he, if ever I came into such a house
in my life, there is no fun here. What would you have
said to Harry Pritchard and me the other day when we
made the cats fly?
Made the cats fly! said Frederick, how was that?
Why, replied he, we tied bladders to each side of
their necks, and then flung them from the top of the
house. There was an end of their purring and mew-
ing for some time, I assure you, for they lay a long
while struggling and gasping for breath; and if they
had not had nine lives, I think they must have died :
but at last up they jumped, and away they ran scamper-
ing. Then out came little Jemmy, crying as if he had.
flown down himself, because we hurt the poor cats ;
he had a dog running after him, who I suppose meant
to call us to task with his bow, wow; but we soon
stopped his tongue, for we caught the gentleman, and
drove him before us into a narrow lane, and then ran
hooting after him into the village; a number of boys
joined us, and cried out as we did, a mad dog! a mad
dog! On this several people pursued him with cudgels
and broomsticks, and at last he was shot by a man, but
48
not dead, so others came and knocked him about the
head till he expired.
For shame! Master Jenkins, said Miss Harriet, how
can you talk in that rhodomontade manner? I cannot
believe any young gentleman could bring his heart to
such barbarities.
Barbarities, indeed! why, have we not a right to do
as we please to dogs and cats, or do you think they
feel as we do? Fiddle faddle of your nonsense, say I;
come, you must hear the end of my story~ When the
dog was dead, we carried him home to little Jemmy,
who was ready to break his heart for the loss of him;
so we did not like to stand hearing his whining, there-
fore left him and got a cock, whose legs we tied, and
flung at him till he died. Then we set tivo others to
fighting; and fine sport we had, for one was pecked till
his breast was laid open, and the other was blinded, so
we left them to make’up their quarrel as they could.
Stop! stop! exclaimed Miss Harriet, for pity's sake,
stop! I can hear no more of your horrid stories ; nor
would I commit even one of those barbarities which
you boast of, for the world! Poor innocent creatures!
what had they done to you to deserve such usage?
. I beg, Edward, said his sister, that you will find
some other way to entertain us, or I shall really tell
Mrs. Benson of you.
What! are you growing tender-liearted all at once,
cried he.
I will tell you what I think when I go homie, replied
Miss Jenkins. As for poor Frederick, he could not
restrain his tears; and Harriet's flowed also at the bare
idea of the sufferings of the poor animals; but Master
Jenkins was so accustomed to be guilty of those things
4.9
without reflection, that there was no making any im-
pression of tenderness upon his mind; and he only
laughed at their concern, and wanted to tell a long story
about an ox that had been driven by a cruel drover till
he went mad; but Miss Benson and his sister stopped
their ears.
At last little Frederick went crying to his mama, and
the young ladies retired to another apartment; so
Master Jenkins amused himself with catching flies in
the window, pulling the legs off some, and the wings
from others, delighted with their contortions, which
were occasioned by the agonies they endured. Mrs.
Benson had some visitors, which prevented her talking
to this cruel boy, as she otherwise would have done, on
hearing Frederick's account of him, but she determined
to tell his papa, which she accordingly did some time
after, when he returned home.
Master Jenkins was now disturbed from his barba-
rous sport, by being called to tea; and soon after that
was over the servant came to fetch him and his sister.
Miss Harriet earnestly entreated her friend Lucy to
feed the birds properly, till she should be allowed to
fetch them, who promised to do so; for she was greatly
affected with Mrs. Benson's discourse, and then en-
treated her brother to take leave, that she might return
home; with this he readily complied, as there were no
further opportunities for cruelty.
After her little visitors were departed, Miss Harriet
went into the drawing-room, and having paid her com,
pliments, she sat herself down that she might improve
her mind by the .conversation of the company. Her
mama perceived that she had been in tears, of which
Frederick had before explained the cause. I do not
D ; .
50
wonder, my love, said she, that you should have been so
affected with the relation of such horrid barbarities as
that thoughtless boy has, by degrees, brought himself
to practise, by way of amusement. However, do not
suffer your mind to dwell on them, as the creatures on
which he inflicted them are no longer objects of pity:
It is wrong to grieve for the death of animals as we do
for the loss of our friends, because they certainly are
not of so much consequence to our happiness; and
we are taught to think their sufferings end with their
lives, as they are not religious beings; and therefore the
killing them, even in the most barbarous manner, is not
like murdering a human creature, who is perhaps un-
prepared to give an account of himself at the tribunal
of heaven.
I have been, said a lady who was present, for a long
time accustomed to consider animals as mere machines,
actuated by the unerring hand of Providence, to do
those things which are necessary for the preservation of
themselves and their offspring; but the sight of the
Learned Pig, which has lately been shown in London,
has deranged these ideas, and I know not what to think.
This led to a conversation on the instinct of animals,
which young readers would not understand; it would
therefore be useless to insert it.
As soon as the company was gone, Pray mama, said
Harriet, what did the Learned Pig do? I had a great
mind to ask Mrs. Franks, who said she saw it, but I
was fearful she would think me impertinent..
I commend your modesty, my dear, replied Mrs.
Benson, but would not have it lead you into such a
degree of restraint as to prevent you satisfying that
laudable curiosity, without which young persons must
51
rernain ignorant of many things very proper fór them
to be acquainted with. Mrs. Franks, would, I am
sure, have been far froin thinking you impertinent.
Those inquiries only are thought troublesome by which
children interrupt conversation, and endeavour to at-
tract attention to their own insignificant prattle, but all
people of good sense and good nature delight in giving
them useful information.
In respect to the Learned Pig, I have heard things
which are quite astonishing in a species of animals
generally regarded as very stupid. The creature was
shown for a sight in a room provided for the purpose,
where a number of people assembled to view his per-
formances. Two alphabets of large letters on card
paper were placed on the floor; one of the company
was then desired to propose a word which he wished
the Pig to spell; this the keeper repeated to the Pig,
which picked out every letter successively with his
snout, and collected them together till the word was
completed. He was then desired to tell the hour of
the day, and one of the company held a watch to him :
this he seemed with his little cunning eye to examine
very attentively; and having done so, he picked out
figures for the hour and minute of the day. He ex-
hibited a number of other tricks of the same nature, to
the great diversion of the spectators.
For my own part, though I was in London at the
time he was shown, and heard continually of this won-
derful Pig from persons of my acquaintance, I never
went to see him; for I am fully persuaded, that great
cruelty must have been used in teaching him things so
foreign to his nature, and therefore would not give any
encouragement to such a scheme.
n 2
52
And do you think, mama, said Harriet, that the Pig
knew the letters, and could really spell words.
I think it possible, my dear, that the Pig might be
taught to know the letters at sight one from the other,
and that his keeper had some private sign, by which he
directed him to each that were wanted; but that he had
an idea of spelling I can never believe; nor are animals
capable of attaining human sciences, because for these
human faculties are requisite; and no art of man can
change the nature of any thing, though he may be able
to improve that nature to a certain degree, or at least to
call forth to view, powers, which would otherwise be
hidden from us. As far as this can be done consist-
ently with our higher obligations, it may be an agree-
able amusement, but will never answer any important
purpose to mankind; and I would advise you, Harriet,
never to give countenance to those people who show
what they call learned animals, as you may assure your-
self they practise great barbarities upon them, of which
starving them almost to death is most likely among the
number; and you may, with the money such a sight
would cost you, procure for yourself a rational amuse-
ment, or even relieve some wretched creature from
extreme distress. But, my dear, it is now time for you
to retire to rest. I will therefore bid you good night.
0
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

XIII
TUR
S
KU:
rik
2.1
V
WE
.
11.
IKY
*
"
filmai
ilia
MU
DE.
NO2
S
.
ARSERRES
T
.
.
CA
.
INC
Som
.
s
.
MOST
R
INI
..
TUT
OVIC
lll.
.
TVR
HY
WA
VAS
21
ORZE
iN
*.
TV
OPER:
UN
.
mm
IV
N
2
.
.
A
3
Ny.
-
S
CHAP. VII.
THE FIRST FLIGHT OF THE NESTLINGS.
Early in the morning the Hen Redbreast awakened
her young brood. Come, my little ones, said she,
shake off your drowsiness, remember this is the day
fixed for your entrance into the world. I desire that
each of you will dress your feathers before you go out,
for a slovenly bird is my aversion, and neatness is a great
advantage to the appearance of every one..
The Father bird was upon the wing betimes, that he
might give each of his young ones a breakfast before
they attempted to leave the nest. When he had fed
them, he desired his mate to accompany him as usual
to Mr. Benson’s, where he found the parlour window
.
54.
open, and his young friends sitting with their mama.
Crumbs had been, according to custom, strewed before
the window, which the other birds had nearly devoured;
but the Redbreasts took their usual post on the tea-
table, and the Father bird sung his morning lay; after
which they returned with all possible speed to the nest,
for, having so important an affair to manage, they could
not be long absent. Neither could their young bene-
factors pay so much attention to them as usual, for they
were impatient to fetch the birds from Miss Jenkins's;
therefore, as soon as breakfast was ended, they set out
upon their expedition. Harriet carried a basket large
enough to hold two nests, and Frederick a smaller one
for the other; thus equipped, with a servant attending
them, they set off.
Mr. Jenkins's house was about a mile from Mr.
Benson's, it was delightfully situated; there was a
beautiful lawn and canal before it, and a charming
garden behind; on one side were cornfields, and on
the other a wood. In such a retreat as this it was
natural to expect to find a great many birds; but to
Miss Harriet's surprise, they saw only a few straggling
ones here and there, which flew away the moment she
and her brother appeared; on this Harriet observed to
Frederick, that she supposed Master Jenkins's practice
of taking birds' nests had made them so shy. She said
a great deal to him about the cruelties that naughty boy
had boasted of the evening before, which Frederick
promised to remember.
As soon as they arrived at the house, Miss Jenkins
ran out to receive them, but her brother was gone to
school. We are come, my dear Lucy, said Miss Ben-
son, to fetch the birds you promised us.
55
11
. O! I know not what to say to you, my dear, said Miss
Jenkins. I have very bad news to tell you, and I fear
you will blame me exceedingly, though not more than
I blame myself. I heartily wish I had returned home
immediately after the kind lecture your mama favoured
me with yesterday, which showed me the cruelty of my
behaviour, though I was then ashamed to own it.
I walked as fast as I could all the way from your
house, and determined to give each of the little crea-
tures a good supper; for which purpose I had an
egg boiled, and nicely chopped; I mixed up some
bread and water very smooth, and put a little seed with
the chopped egg amongst it, and then carried it to the
room where I left the nests. But what was my con-
cern when I found that my care was too late, for the
greatest part of them! every Sparrow lay dead and
bloody; they seemed to have killed each other.
In the nest of Linnets, which were very young, I
found one dead, two just expiring, and the other almost
exhausted, but still able to swallow; to him therefore
I immediately gave some of the food I had prepared,
which greatly revived him; and, as I thought he would
suffer with cold in the nest by himself, I covered him
over with wool, and had this morning the pleasure of
finding him quite recovered.
What, all the Sparrows, and three Linnets dead!
said Frederick, whose little eyes swam withi, tears at
the melancholy tale: and pray, Miss Jenkins, have you
starved all the Blackbirds too?
Not all, my little friend, answered Miss Jenkins,
but I must confess that some of them have fallen vic-
tims to my neglect: however, there are two fine ones
alive, which I shall, with the surviving Linnet, cheer-
TI
56
fully resign to the care of my dear Harriet, whose ten-
derness will, I hope, be rewarded by the pleasure of
hearing them sing when they are old enough. But I
beg you will stay and rest yourselves after your walk.
Let me see the birds first, said Frederick.
· That you shall do, answered Miss Jenkins; and
taking him by the hand, she conducted him to the
room in which she kept them, accompanied by Miss
Benson. Miss Jenkins then fed the birds, and gave
particular instructions for making their food, and de-
clared that she would never be a receiver of birds’
nests any more; but expressed her apprehensions that
it would be difficult to wean Edward from his propen-
sity for taking them.
Miss Jenkins then took her young friends into the
parlour, to her governess (for her mama was dead), who
received them very kindly and gave each of them a
piece of cake and some fruit; after which Miss Jen-
kins led them again into the room where the birds were,
and very carefully put the nest, with the poor solitary
Linnet into one basket, and that with the two Black-
birds into the other. Frederick was very urgent to
carry the latter, which his sister consented to; and then
bidding adieu to their friend, they set off on their way
home, attended by the maid as before.
Let us now return to the Redbreasts, whom we left
on the wing flying back to the Ivy Wall, in order to
take their young ones abroad. .
As the father entered the nest he cried out with a
cheerful voice, Well, my nestlings, are you all ready?
Yes, they replied. The mother then advanced, and
desired that each of them would get upon the edge of
the nest. Robin and Pecksy sprang up in an instant,
57
but Dicky and Flapsy being timorous, were not so ex-
peditious. .
The hearts of the parents felt great delight at the
view they now had of their young family, which ap-
peared to be strong, vigorous, and lively; and, in a
word, endued with every gift of nature requisite to their
success in the world. .
Now, said the father, stretch your wings, Robin, and
flutter them a little, in this manner (showing him the
way), and be sure to observe my directions exactly.
Very well, said he, do not attempt to fly yet, for here is
neither air nor space enough for that purpose. Walk
gently after me to the wall; then follow me to the tree
that stands close to it, and hop on from branch to
branch as you will see me do: then rest yourself, and
as soon as you see me fly away, spread your wings, and
exert all the strength you have to follow me.
Robin acquitted himself to admiration, and alighted
very safely on the ground. .
Now stand still, said the father, till the rest join us;
then going back, he called upon Dicky to do the same
as his brother had done; but Dicky was very fearful of
fluttering his wings, for he was a little coward, and ex-
pressed many apprehensions that he should not reach
the ground without falling, as they were such a great
height from it. His father, who was a very courageous
bird, was quite angry with him.
Why, you foolish little thing, said he, do you mean
to stay in the nest by yourself and starve? I shall leave
off bringing you food, I assure you. Do you think
your wings were given you to be always folded by your
sides, and that the whole employment of your life is to
dress your feathers and make yourself look pretty ?
D3
58
Without exercise you cannot long enjoy health ; be-
sides, you will soon have your livelihood to earn, and
therefore idleness would in you be the height of folly;
get up this instant.
Dicky intimidated by his father's displeasure, got
up, and advanced as far as the branch from which he
was to descend; but here his fears returned, and, instead
of making an effort to fly, he stood flapping his wings
in a most irresolute manner, and suffered his father to
lead the way twice without following him. This good
parent, finding he would not venture to fly, took a cir-
cuit unperceived by Dicky, and watching the opportu-
nity when his wings were a little spread, came suddenly
behind him and pushed him off the branch. Dicky,
finding himself in actual danger of falling, now gladly
stretched liis pinions, and, upborne by the air, he gently
descended to the ground so near the spot where Robin
stood that the latter easily reached him by hopping.
The mother now undertook to conduct Flapsy and
Pecksy, whilst the father -stayed to take care of the two
already landed. Flapsy inade a thousand difficulties,
but at length yielded to her mother's persuasions, and
flew safely down. Pecksy, without the least hesita-
tion, accompanied her, and, by exactly following the
directions given, found the task much easier than she
expected.
As soon as they had a little recovered from the fa-
tigue and fright of their first essay at flying, they began
· to look around them with astonishment. Every object
on which they turned their eyes excited their curiosity
and wonder. Tliey were no longer confined to a little
nest, built in a small hole, but were now at full liberty
in the open air. The orchard itself. appeared to them
59
a world. For some time each remained silent, gazing
around, first at one thing, then at another; at length
Flapsy cried out, What a charming place the world is!
I had no conception that it was half so big! ..
* And do you suppose then, my dear, replied the mo-
ther, that you now behold the whole of the world ? I
have seen but a small part of it myself, and yet have
flown over so large a space, that what is at present
within our view, appears to me a little inconsiderable
spot; and I have conversed with several foreign birds,
who informed me that the countries they came from
were so distant, that they were many days on their
journey hither, though they flew the nearest way, and
scarcely allowed themselves any resting time. !
Come, said the father, let us proceed to business, we
did not leave the nest merely to look about us. You
are now, my young ones, safely landed on the ground,
let me instruct you what you are to do on it. Every
living creature that comes into the world has something
allotted him to perform, therefore he should not stand
an idle spectator of what others are doing. We small
birds have a very easy task, in comparison of many
animals I have had an opportunity of observing, being
only required to seek food for ourselves, build nests,
and provide for our young ones till they are able to
procure their own livelihood.
We have indeed enemies to dread; Hawks and other
birds of prey will catch us up, if we are not upon our
guard; but the worst foes we have are those of the
human race; though even among them we Redbreasts
have a better chance than many other birds, on account
of a charitable action which two of our species are said
60
to have performed towards a little boy and girl* who
were lost in a wood, where they were starved to death.
The Redbreasts, I mean, saw the affectionate pair,
hand in hand, stretched on the cold ground, and would
have fed them, had they been capable of receiving nou-
rishment; but finding the poor babes quite dead, and
being unable to bury them, they resolved to cover them
with leaves. This was an arduous task, but many a
Redbreast has since shared the reward of it; and I
believe that those who do good to others always meet
with a recompense some way or other. But I declare
I am doing the very thing I was reproving you for-
chattering away when I should be minding business.
Come, hop after me, and we shall soon find something
worth having. Fear nothing, for you are now in a
place of security; there is no Hawk near, and I have
never seen any of the human race enter this orchard
but the monsters who paid you visits in the nest, and
others equally inoffensive.
The father then hopped away, followed by Robin
and Dicky, while his mate conducted the female part
of the family. The parents instructed their young onės
in what manner to seek for food, and they proved very
successful, for there were many insects just at hand.
* Alluding to the ballad of the Children in the Wood.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

Erwin
.
12
K
.
2
CV
BV
+
villiin
ulikult
S3BSES
4
WENN
KANSS
s
KE
SOS
t iu
W
LIS
A
TAA
ASS
Till
TAN
Miniai
.
'
XI.
.
3
.
.
S
.
.
.
.
.
C:
OW
AA
.
.
.
SENS
to
TV
Ull
nim
.
-
-
.
www
them
-
.
-
-
SA
.. .
:
..
T
IL
RT
.
LU
>
Will
Sii
hemmily
mt
T
.
.
.
IGN
so
XSST
.
It
CHAP. VIII.
MASTER FREDERICK VIEWING THE YOUNG ROEINS IN
THE CURRANT-BUSH.
Whilst all the business related in the last chapter was
going on in the Redbreast family, Miss Benson was
walking home, with the poor birds in the basket; Well,
Frederick, said she to him, what think you of bird-nest-
ing now? Should you like to occasion the deaths of a
number of little harmless creatures ? No, indeed, said
Frederick, and I think Miss Jenkins a very naughty
girl for starving them.
She was to blame, but is now sorry for her fault, my
dear, therefore you must not speak unkindly of her;
besides, you know she has no good mama, as we have,
to teach her what is proper; and her papa is obliged
62
to be absent from home very often, and leave her to the
care of a governess, who perhaps was never instructed
herself to be tender to animals.
With this kind of conversation they amused them-
selves as they walked, every now and then peeping
into their baskets to see their little birds, which were
very lively and well. They entreated the maid to take
them through the orchard, which had a gate that opened
into a meadow that lay in their way, having no doubt
of obtaining admittance, as it was the usual hour for
their friend Joe to work there. They accordingly
knocked at the gate, which was immediately opened to
them, and Frederick requested Joe to show him the
Robins' nest.
Just at this time the young Robins were collected
together near the gate, when they were suddenly alarm-
ed with a repetition of the same noises which had for-
merly terrified them in the nest; and Robin, who was
foremost, beheld, to his very great amazement, Master
and Miss Benson, the maid who attended them, with
Joe the gardener, who, having opened the gate, was, at
the request of his young master“ and mistress, conduct-
ing them to the Ivy Wall.
Robin, with all his courage, and indeed he was not
deficient in this quality, waş seized with a great tre-
mor; for.if the view he bad of the faces of these per-
sons had appeared so dreadful to him when he sat in
the nest, what must it now be, to behold their full size,
and see them advancing with, as he thought, gigantic
strides towards hiin? He expected nothing less than
to be crushed to death with the foot of one of them;
and not having yet attained his full strength, and never
having raised himself in the air, he knew not how to
escape; therefore chirped so loudly as not only to sur-
prise his brother and sisters, and bring his father and
mother to inquire the meaning of his cry, but also to
attract the attention of Master and Miss Benson.
What chirping is that? cried the latter.--It was, said
the maid, the cry of a young bird; was it not one of
those in the baskets ? No, said Frederick, the noise
came that way, pointing to some currant-bushes.-My
birds are very well, and so is my Linnet, replied Harriet.
Frederick then set down his charge very carefully,
and began looking about in the place from whence he
supposed the sound proceeded, when, to his great joy,
he soon discovered the Redbreasts and their little fa-
mily. He called eagerly to his sister, who was equally
pleased with the sight. · They then stooped down to
take a nearer view of them, by which means he directly
fronted Robin, who, as soon as the young gentleman's
face was on a level with his eyes, recollected him, and
calling to his brother and sisters, told them they need
not be afraid..
Miss Benson followed her brother's example, and
delighted the little flock with the sight of lier benign
countenance. She heartily lamented having nothing
with which to regale her old favourites and their family,
when Frederick produced from his pocket a piece of
biscuit which they crumbled and scattered. Miss
Benson recollecting that her mama would expect her
at home, and that the birds in the basket would be hun-
gry; persuaded her brother to take up his little load and
return; they therefore left the Redbreasts enjoying the
fruits of their bounty.
When the happy birds had shared amongst them the
kind. present of their young benefactors, they hopped
64
about in search of some moister food. Dicky had the
good fortune to find four little worms together, but,
instead of calling his brother and sisters to partake of
them, he devoured them all himself.
Are you not ashamed, you little greedy creature ?
cried his father, who observed his selfish disposition:
What would you think of your brother and sisters were
they to serve you so ? In a family every individual ought
to consult the welfare of the whole, instead of his own
private satisfaction. It is his own truest interest to do
so. A day may come when he who has now sufficient
to supply the wants of his relations, may stand in need
of assistance from them. But setting aside selfish con-
siderations, which are the last that ever find place in a
generous breast, how great is the pleasure of doing
good and contributing to the happiness of others !
Dicky was quite confounded, and immediately hop-
ped away to find, if possible, something for his brother
and sisters, that he might regain their good opinion.
In the mean while Robin found a caterpillar, which
he intended to take for Pecksy; but just as he was
going to pick it up, a Linnet, which had a nest in the
orchard, snatched it from him and flew away with it.
With the most furious rage, Robin advanced to his fa-
ther, and entreated that he would fly after the Linnet and
tear his heart out. That would be taking violent revenge
indeed, said his father. No, Robin, the Linnet has as
great a right to the caterpillar as you or I; and, in all
probability, he has as many little gaping mouths at home
ready to receive it. But, however this may be, I had,
for my own part, rather sustain an injury than take re-
venge. You must expect to have many a scramble of
this kind in your life; but if you give way to a resent-
65
ful temper, you will do yourself more harm than all
the enemies in the world can do you; for you will be
in perpetual agitation, from an idea that every one who
does not act in direct conformity to your wishes, has a
design against you. Therefore restrain your anger that
you may be happy; for, believe me, peace and tran-
At this instant Pecksy came up with a fine fat spider
in her mouth, which she laid down at her mother's feet,
and thus addressed her: Accept, my dear parent, the
first tribute of gratitude which I have ever been able
to offer you. How have I formerly longed to ease those
toils which you and my dear father endured for our
sakes; and gladly would I now release you from farther
fatigue on my account, but I am still a poor creature,
and must continue to take shelter under your wing. I
will hop, however, as long as I am able to procure
food for the family. The eyes of the mother sparkled
with delight; and knowing that Pecksy's love would
be disappointed by a refusal, she ate the spider, which
the dutiful nestling had so affectionately brought her;
and then said, How happy would families be, if every
one like you, my dear Pecksy, consulted the welfare of
the rest, instead of turning their whole attention to their
own interest.
Dicky was not present at this speech, which he might
have considered as a reflection on his own conduct;
but he arrived as it was ended, and presented Pecksy
with a worm, like those he had himself so greedily
eaten. She received it with thanks, and declared it
was doubly welcome from his beak.
Certainly, said the mother, fraternal love stamps a
value on the most trifling presents. Dicky felt himself
6h
66
-
.
happy in having regained the good opinion of his moa
ther, and obliged his sister, and resolved to be generous
for the future. The mother bird now reminded her.
mate that it would be proper to think of returning to
the : nest. If the little ones fatigue themselves too
much with hopping about, said she, their strength will
be exhausted, and they will not be able to fly back.
True, my love, replied her mate, gather them under
your wings a little, as there is no reason to apprehend
danger here, and then we will see what they can do.
She complied with his desire, and when they were suf-
ficiently rested, she got up, on which the whole brood
instantly raised themselves on their feet.
Now, Robin, cried the father, let us see your deste-
rity in flying upwards ; come, I will show you how to
raise yourself.
Oh! you need not take that trouble, said the con:
ceited bird, as I flew down I warrant 1 know how to
fly up: then spreading his wings, he attempted to rise,
but in so unskilful a manner, that he only shuffled along
upon the ground.
That will vot do, however, cried the father, shall I
show you now? Robin persisted in it that he stood in
no need of instruction, and tried again; he managed
to raise himself a little way, but soon tumbled head-
long. His mother then began reproving him for his
obstinacy, and advised him to accept his father's kind
offer of teaching him.
You may depend on it, Robin, said she, that he is
in every respect wiser than you; and as he has had so
much practice, he must of course be expert in the art
of flying; and if you persist in making your own foolish
experiments, you will only commit a number of errors,
67
and make yourself ridiculous ; I should commend your
courage, provided you would add prudence to it; but
blundering on in this ignorant manner is only rashness. :
Let him alone, let him alone, said the father, if he is
above being taught he may find his own way to the
nest: I will teach his brother. Come, said he, Dicky,
let us see what you can do at flying upwards; you cut
a noble figure this morning when you flew down.
Dicky, with reluctance, advanced, he said he did not
see what occasion they had to go back to the nest at all;
he should suppose they might easily find some snug
corner to creep into till they were strong enough to
roost in trees, as other birds did..
Why you, said the father, are as ridiculous with your
timidity as Robin with his conceitedness. Those who
give way to groundless fears generally expose them-
selves to real dangers; if you rest on the earth all
night you will suffer a great deal from cold and damp,
and may very likely be devoured, whilst you sleep, by
rats and other creatures that go out in the night to
seek for food; whereas, if you determine to go back to
the nest, you have but one effort to make; for which,
I will venture to say, you have sufficient strength, and
then you will lie warm, safe, and quiet; however, do
as you will. .
Dicky began to think that it was his interest to obey
his father, and said he would endeavour to fly up, but
was still fearful he should not be able to do it.
Never despair, replied his father, of doing what
others have done before you. Turn your eyes upwards,
and behold what numbers of birds are at this instant
soaring in the air. They were once all nestlings like
yourself. See there that new-fledged wren, with what
ul.
. 68
courage he skims along; let it not be said that a Red-
breast lies groveling on the earth while a wren soars
above him!
Dicky was now ashamed of himself, and inspired
with emulation; therefore, without delay, he spread his
wings and his tail ; his father with pleasure placed him-
self in a proper attitude before him, then rising from
the ground led the way; and Dicky, by carefully fol-
lowing his example, safely arrived at the nest, which he
found a most comfortable resting-place after the fatigué
of the morning, and rejoiced that he had a good father
to teach him what was most conducive to his welfare.
The father, having seen him safe home, returned to
his mate, who during his short absence, had been en-
deavouring to convince Robin of his fault, but to no
purpose; he did not like to be taught, what he still
persuaded himself he could do by his own exertions ;
she therefore applied herself to Flapsy.
Come, my dear, said she, get ready to follow me
when your father returns, for the sun casts a great heat
here, and the 'nest will be quite comfortable to you.
Flapsy dreaded the experiment; however, as she could
not but blame both Robin's and Dicky's conduct, she
resolved to do her best; but entreated her mother to
inform her very particularly how to proceed. Well
then, said the tender parent, observe me. First bend
your legs, then spring from the ground as quick as you
can, stretching your wings as you rise straight out on
each side of your body; shake them with a quick mo-
tion, as you will see me do, and the air will yield to ·
you, and at the same time support your weight; which-
ever way you want to turn, strike the air with the wing
on the contrary side, and that will bring you about.
69
She thiep rose from the ground, and having practised
two or three times repeatedly what she had been teach-
ing, Flapsy at length ventured to follow her, but with
a palpitating heart; and was soon happily seated in
the nest by the side of Dicky, who rejoiced that his
favourite sister was safely arrived.
The mother bird now went back to Pecksy, who was
waiting with her father till she returned; for the good
parent chose to leave the female part of his family to
the particular management of their mother.
Pecksy was fully prepared for her flight, for she had
attentively observed the instruction given to the others,
and also their errors; she therefore kept the happy
medium betwixt self-conceit and timidity, indulging
that moderated emulation which ought to possess every
young heart; and, resolving that neither her inferiors
nor equals should soar above her, she sprang from the
ground, and, with a steadiness and agility, wonderful
for her first essay, followed her mother to the nest,
who, instead of stopping to rest herself there, flew to
a neighbouring tree, that she might be at hand to assist
Robin, should he repent of his folly; but Robin dis-
appointed her hopes, for he sat sulky; though con-
vinced he had been in the wrong, he would not humble
himself to his father; who therefore resolved to leave
him a little while and return to the nest.
As soon as Robin found himself deserted, instead of
being sorry, he gave way to anger and resentment:
Why, cried he, am I to be treated in this manner,
who am the eldest of the family, while all the little
darlings are fondled and caressed! But I don't care, I -
can get to the nest yet, I make no doubt. He then
in
length got up in the air, but not knowing which way
70
to direct his course; he sometimes turned to the right
and sometimes to the left; now he advanced forwards
a little, and now, fearing he was wrong, came back
· again; at length quite spent with fatigué, he fell to the
ground, and bruised himself a good deal: stunned with
the fall, he lay for some minutes without sense or mo-
tion, but soon revived, and finding himself alone in this
dismal condition, the horrors of bis situation filled him
with dreadful apprehensions, and the bitterest remorse.
Oh! cried he, that I had but followed the advice
and example of my tender parents, then had I been
safe in the nest, blessed with their kind caresses, and
enjoying the company of my dear brother and sisters !
but now I am of all birds the most wretched! never
shall I be able to fly, for every joint of me has re-
ceived a shock which I doubt it will not recover.
Where shall I find shelter froin the scorching sun,
whose piercing rays already render the ground I lie on
intolerably hot? What kind beak will supply me with
food to assuage the pangs of hunger which I shall soon
feel? By what means shall I procure even a drop of
water to quench that thirst which so frequently returns ?
Who will protect me from the various tribes of bar-
barous animals which I have been told make a prey of
birds ? Oh, my dear, my tender mother, if the sound of
my voice can reach your ears, pity my condition, and
fly to my succour.
- The kind parent waited not for farther solicitation,
but darting from the branch on which she had been a
painful eyewitness of Robin's fall, she instantly stood
before him.
I have listened, said she, to your lamentations; and
since you seem convinced of your error, I will not add
to your sufferings by my reproaches; my heart relents
71
towards you, and gladly would I afford you all the aid
in my power: but, alas! I can do but little for your
relief; however, let me persuade you to exert all the
strength you have, and use every effort for your own
preservation; I will endeavour to procure you some
refreshment, and at the same time contrive means of
fixing you in a place of more security and comfort than
that in which you at present lie. So saying, she flew to
a little stream which flowed in an adjacent meadow, and
fetched, from the brink of it, a worm which she had
observed an angler to drop as she perched on the tree;
with this she immediately returned to the penitent
Robin, who received the welcome gift with gratitude.
Refreshed with this delicious morsel, and comforted
by his mother's kindness, he was able to stand up,
and, on shaking his wings, he found that he was not
so greatly hurt as he apprehended; his head, indeed,
was bruised, so that one eye was almost closed, and
he had injured the joint of one wing, so that he could
not possibly fly: however, he could manage to hop,
and the parent bird observing that Joe the gardener
was cutting a hawthorn hedge, which was near the
spot, desired Robin to follow her; this he did, though
with great pain. Now, said she, look carefully about,
and you will soon find insects of one kind or another
for your sustenance during the remainder of the day,
and before evening I will return to you again.' Sum-
mon all your courage, for I make no doubt you will
be safe while our friend continues his work, as none of
those creatures which are enemies to birds will venture
to come near him. Robin took a sorrowful farewell,
and the mother flew to the nest. -
-
FABULOUS HISTORIES,

-
-
-
*
VERS
TES
-
-
-
VAN
.
Sur
St.
U
-
VA
V
-
A2:
-
-
SIS
VS
C
WA
N
RSS
.
siC
.
39
1
.
INS
WAONS
S
S
.
AS
PARTS
XS
O
.
S
11
N
.
21.
..
!
SET
U
.
.
t
.
YK.
-
SA-
.
.
+
VA
YA
DAI.
LAN
SAS
.
t
.
..
.
.
DS",
ir
-
-
II.
cial
.
.
SAR
VYVA
SA
YAS
P.
TIS
VN
HT
E
-
SNYA
NE
SUNT
onde
WOMAN
.
-
PT
CEN"
e 13
1
.
FIL
CIS
E
44
I2
1.
WWWMAmateur
SIS
MWIS
1
.
MA
XX27
.
.
.
.
SINN
IT
.
.
TO
(Se
0
.
YO
W
CHAP. IX.
ROBIN'S FATHER BEING RECONCILED TO HIM
CONDUCTS HIM TO THE PUMP.
You have been absent a long time, my love, said her
mate, but I' perceived that you were indulging your
tenderness towards that disobedient nestling, who has
rendered himself unworthy of it: however, I do not
condemn you for giving him assistance; for had not
you undertaken the task, I would myself have flown to
him instead of returning home-How is he? likely to
live and reward your kindness ?-Yes, said she, he will,
I flatter myself, soon perfectly recover, for his hurt is
not very considerable ; and I have the pleasure to tell
you, he is extremely sensible of his late folly, and I
dare say will endeavour to repair his fault with fu-
173
JULI
ture good behaviour :--this is pleasing news indeed,
said he.
The little nestlings, delighted to lear their dear
brother was safe and convinced of his error, expressed
great joy and satisfaction, and entreated their father to
let them descend again and keep him company: to
this he would by no means consent, because, as he told
them, the fatigue would be too great; and it was pro-
per that Robin should feel a little longer the conse-
quences of his presumption : to-morrow, said he, you
shall pay him a visit, but to-day he shall be by him-
self; on this they dropped their request, knowing that
their parent was the best judge of what was proper to
be done; and not doubting but that his affection would
lead him to every thing that was conducive to the real
happiness of his family: but yet they could not tell
how to be happy without Robin, and were continually
perking up their little heads, fancying they heard his
cries: both their father and mother frequently took a
peep at him, and had the satisfaction of seeing him
very safe by their friend Joe the gardener, though the
honest fellow did not know of his own guardianship,
and continued his work without perceiving the little
cripple, who hopped and shuffled about, pecking here
and there whatever he could meet with.
· When he had been for some time by himself his
mother made him another visit, and told him she had
interceded with his father, whose anger was abated,
and he would come to him before he went to rest.
Robin rejoiced to hear that there was a chance of his
being reconciled to his father, yet he dreaded the first
interview: however, as it must be, he wished to have
it over as soon as possible; and every wing he heard
E
74
S
t
beat the air he fancied to be that of his offended pa-
rent. In this state of anxious expectation he conti-
nued almost to the time of sunsetting, when of a sud-
den, he heard the well known voice to which he used to
listen with joy, but which now caused his whole frame
to tremble; but observing a beam of benignity in that
eye in which he looked for anger and reproach, he cast
himself in the most supplicating posture at the feet of
his father, who could no longer resist the desire he felt
to receive him into favour.
Your present humility, Robin, said he, disarms my
resentment; I gladly pronounce your pardon, and am
persuaded you will never again incur my displeasure ;
we will therefore say no more on a subject which gives
so much pain to us.
Yes, my dear indulgent father, cried Robin, permit
me to make my grateful acknowledgments for your
kindness, and to assure you of my future obedience.
The delighted parent accepted his submission, and the
reconciliation was completed.
By this time Robin was greatly exhausted; his kind
father therefore conducted him to a pump in the gar-
den, where he refreshed himself with a few drops of
water; he now felt himself greatly relieved; but on his
father's asking him what he intended to do with him-
self at night, his spirits sunk again, and he answered,
he did not know. Well, said the father, I have thought
of an expedient to secure you from cold at least.
In a part of the orchard, a very little way from
hence, there is a place belonging to our friend the
gardener, where I have sheltered myself from several
storms, and am sure it will afford you a comfortable
lodging; so follow me before it is too late. The old
75
.
bird then led the way, and his son followed him; when
they arrived, they found the door of the tool-house
open; and as the threshold was low, Robin managed
to get over it. His father looked carefully about, and
at last found, in a corner, a parcel of shreds, kept for
the purpose of nailing up trees. Here, Robin, said he,
is a charining bed for you, let me see you in it, and call
your mother to have a peep, and then I must bid you
good night; so saying, away he flew, and brought his
mate, who was perfectly satisfied with the lodging pro-
vided for her late undutiful but now repentant son;
but, reminded by her mate that if they stayed longer
they might be shut in, they took leave, telling Robin
they would visit him early in the niorning.
Though this habitation was much better than Robin
expected, and he was ready enough to own better than
he deserved, yet he deeply regretted his absence from
the nest, and longed to see again his brother and
sisters : however, though part of the night was spent
in bitter reflections, fatigue at length prevailed over
anxiety, and he fell asleep. The nestlings, were greatly
pleased to find that Robin was likely to escape the
dangers of the night, and even the anxious mother at
length resigned herself to repose.
Before the sun showed his glorious face in the east
every individual of this affectionate family were awake :
the father with impatience waited for the gardener's
opening the tool-house; the mother prepared her little
ones for a new excursion.
You will be able to descend with more ease, my
dears, to-day than you did yesterday, shall you not? O
yes, mother, said Dicky; I shall not be at all afraid !
Nor I, said Flapsy. Say you so ? then let us see
E 2
76
U11
which of you will be down first, said she.' Come, I
will show you the way.
On this, with gradual flight, the mother bent her
course to a spot near the place where Robin lay con-
cealed; they all instantly followed her, and surprised
their father, who having seen Joe, was every instant
expecting he would open the door; at length, to the
joy, of the whole party, the gardener appeared, and
they soon .saw him fetch his shears and leave the tool-
house open: on this the mother proposed that they
should all go together and call Robin. There they
found him in his snug little bed; but who can describe
the happy meeting; who can find words to express the
raptures which filled every little bosom?
When the first transports subsided, I think, said the
father, it will be best to retire from hence: if our
friend returns he may take us for a set of thieves, and
suppose that we came to eat his seeds, and I should be
sorry he should have an ill opinion of us. Well, I am
ready, said his mate; and we, cried the whole brood :
they accordingly left the tool-house, and hopped about
among the currant-bushes. I think, said the father,
that you who have the full use of your limbs, could
manage to get up these low trees, but Robin must con-
tent himself upon the ground a little longer. This
was very mortifying, but he had no one to blame ex-
cepting himself; so he forbore to complain, and as-
sumed as much cheerfulness as he could; his brother
and sisters begged they might stay with him all day, as
they could do very well without going up to the nest;
to this the parents consented.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

.
- -
-
-
SV
S
.
SA
.
F
WWWUL.
Momennonicon
in
11.
11
ta
T
1
-.
P
101
*
2
NE
N
...
!
V
C
VIII
MC
CHAP. X.
MRS. ADDIS'S MONKEY DOING MISCHIEF AT THE
TEA-TABLE.
It is now time to inquire after Master and Miss Ben-
son.
These happy children reached home soon after they
left the Redbreasts, and related every circumstance of
their expedition to their kind mama, who, hearing the
little prisoners in the basket chirp very loudly, desired
they would immediately go and feed them, which they
gladly did, and then took a short lesson. Mrs. Benson
told Miss Harriet that she was going to make a visit
in the afternoon, and should take her with her, there-
fore desired she would keep herself quite still, that she
might not be fatigued after the walk she had had in the
78
morning; for though she meant to go in the coach, it
was her intention to walk home, as the weather was so
remarkably fine. The young lady took great care of
the birds, and Frederick engaged, with the assistance
of the maid, to feed them during her absence. Miss
Benson was then dressed to attend her mama.
Mrs. Addis, to whose house they were going, was a
widow lady; she had two children, Master Charles, a
boy of twelve years old, at school, and Miss Augusta,
about seven, at home. But these children were quite
strangers to Miss Benson.
On entering the ball the young lady took notice of
a very disagreeable smell, and was surprised with the
appearance of a parrot, a paroquet, and a macaw, all
in most superb cages. In the next room she came to
were a squirrel and a monkey, which had each a little
house neatly ornamented.
On being introduced into the drawing-rooin, she ob-
served in one corner a lapdog lying on a splendid
cushion; and in a beautiful little cradle, which she
supposed to contain a large wax doll, lay, in great
state, a cat with a litter of kittens.
After the usual compliments were over, I have, said
Mrs. Benson, taken the liberty of bringing my daughter
with me, madam, in hopes of inducing you to favour
us, in return, with the company of Miss Addis.
You are very obliging, madam, replied the lady, but
indeed I never take my children with me; they are so
rude; it will be time enough some years hence for
Augusta to go a visiting.
I am sorry to hear you say this, madam, said Mrs.
Benson. You are displeased then, I fear, at my having
brought Harriet with me. This in reality was the case,
79
as Mrs. Benson plainly perceived, for the lady made
no answer, and looked very cross.
Miss Harriet was curious to examine the variety of
animals which Mrs. Addis had collected together, but
as her mama never suffered her to run about when she
accompanied her to other people's houses, she sat
down, only glancing her eye first to one part of the
room, and then to the other, as her attention was suc-
cessively attracted.
As Mrs. Benson requested to see Miss Addis, her
mama could not refuse sending for her; she therefore
rang the bell, and ordered that Augusta might come
down to her. The footman, who had never before
received such a command (for Mrs. Addis only saw
the child in the nursery) stared with astonishment, and
thought he had misunderstood it. However, on his
lady repeating her words, he went up stairs to tell
the nursery-maid the child was to be taken to the
drawing-room. What new faucy is this? said she.
Who would ever have thought of her wanting the child
in the drawing-room? I have no stockings clean for
hier, nor a frock to put on, but what is ragged. I wishi
she would spend less inoney on her cats and dogs and
monkeys, and then her child would appear as she ought
to do. I won't go down stairs, Nanny, said the child.
But you must, said Nanny; besides there's a pretty
young lady come to see you, and if you go like a good
girl, you shall have a piece of sugared bread and but-
ter for your supper; and you shall carry the new doll
which your godmama gave you, to show to your little
visitor.
These bribes had the desired effect, and Miss Addis
went into the drawing-room; but instead of entering
YI
11
80
it like a young lady, with a genteel courtesy, she stop-
ped at the door, hung down her head, and looked like
a little simpleton. Miss Benson was so surprised at
her awkwardness, that she did not know what to do,
and looked at her mama, who said, Harriet, my love,
can't you take the little lady by the hand and lead her
to me? I believe she is afraid of strangers. On this
Miss Harriet arose to do so; but Augusta, apprehen-
sive that she would snatch her doll away, was going to
run out, only she could not open the door.
Mrs. Benson was quite shocked to see how sickly,
dirty, and ragged this poor child was, and how vulgar
also, for want of education ; but Mrs. Addis was so.
taken up at that instant with the old lapdog which had,
as she thought, fallen into a fit, that she did not mind
her entrance; and, before she perceived it, the child
went up to the cradle in order to put her doll into it,
and seized one of the kittens by the neck, the squeak-
ing of which provoked the old cat to scratch her, and
this made her cry and drop the kitten upon the floor.
Mrs. Addis, seeing this, flew to the little beast, endea-.
voured to sooth it with caresses, and was going to beat.
Augusta for touching it, but Mrs. Benson interceded
for her; she was, however, sent away into the nursery.
Happily for children there are not many such mamas
as Mrs. Addis !
The tea-things being set, the footman came in with
the urn, which employing both his hands, he left the
door open; and was, to the great terror of Miss Har-
riet, and even of her mama too, followed by the monkey
they saw in the hall, which having broken its chain,
came to make a visit to his lady. Mrs. Addis, far
from being disconcerted, seemed highly pleased with
.
1
81
his cleverness.. O, my sweet dear Pug, said she, are
you come to see us ? Pray show how like a gentleman
you can behave. Just as she had said this he leaped
upon the tea-table, and took cup after cup and threw
them on the ground till he broke half the set; then
jumped on the sofa and tore the cover of it; in short,
as soon as he had finished one piece of mischief he
began another, till Mrs. Addis, though vastly diverted
with his wit, was obliged to have him caught and
confined; after which she began making tea, and quiet-
ness was for a short time restored. But Mrs. Benson,
though capable of conversing on most subjects, could
not engage Mrs. Addis in any discourse, but upon the
perfections of her birds and beasts; and a variety of
uninteresting particulars were related concerning their
wit or misfortunes.
On hearing the clock strike seven, Mrs. Addis begged
Mrs. Benson's excuse: but said she made it a constant
rule to see all her dear darlings fed at that hour, and
entreated that she and the young lady would take a
turn in the garden in the meanwhile. This was very
ill bred, but Mrs. Benson desired she would use no
ceremonies with her, and was really glad of the respite
it gave her from company so irksome, and Miss Harriet
was happy to be alone with her mama; she however
forbore making any remarks on Mrs. Addis, because
she had been taught that it did not become young per-
sons to censure the behaviour of those who were older
than themselves.
The garden was spacious, but overrun with weeds ;
the gravel-walks were so rough for want of rolling,
that it was quite painful to tread on them; and the
grass on the lawn so long, that there was no walking
ES
82
with any comfort, for the gardener was almost conti-
nually going on some errand or another for Mrs. Addis's
darlings; so Mrs. Benson and her daughter sat down
on a garden seat, with an intention of waiting there till
Mrs. Addis should summon them.
Miss Harriet could not refrain from expressing a
wish that it was time to go home; to which Mrs. Ben-
son replied, that she did not wonder at her desire to
return; but, said she, my dear, as the world was not
made merely for us, we must endeavour to be patient
under every disagreeable circumstance we meet with.
I know what opinion you have formed of Mrs. Addis,
and should not have brought you to be a spectator of
her follies, had I not hoped that: an hour or two passed
in her company would afford you a lesson which might
be useful to you through life.
I have before told you, that our affections towards
the inferior parts of the creation should be properly
regulated; you have, in your friend Miss Jenkins and
her brother, seen instances of cruelty to them, which I
am sure you will never be inclined to imitate; but I
was apprehensive you might fall into the contrary ex-
treme, which is equally blameable. Mrs. Addis, you
see, has absolutely transferred the affection she ought
to feel for her child to creatures which would really be
much happier without it. As for puss, who lies in the
cradle in all her splendour, I will. engage to say, slie
would pass her time pleasanter in a basket of clean
straw, placed in a situation where she could occasion-
ally amuse herself with catching mice. · The lapdog
is, I am sure, a miserable object, full of diseases, the
consequences of luxurious living. How enviable is
the lot of a spaniel, that is at liberty to be the compa-
83
S
nion of his master's walks, when compared with his !
Mr. Pug, I am certain, would enjoy himself much
more in his native wood : and I am greatly mistaken if
the parrots, &c. have not cause to wish themselves in
their respective countries, or at least divided into sepa-
rate families, where they would be better attended;
for Mrs. Addis, by having such a number of creatures,
has put it out of her power to see properly with her
owń eyes to all. But come, let us go back into the
house; the time for our going home draws near, and I
wish not to prolong my visit.
Saying this Mrs. Benson arose, and with her daugh-
ter, went into the drawing-room, which opened into
the garden ; the other door, which led to the adjoining
apartments was not shut; this gave them an opportu-
nity of hearing the following discourse, which greatly
distressed Mrs. Benson, and perfectly terrified the gen-
tle Harriet.
Begone, wretch! says Mrs. Addis, begone this in-
stant, you shall not stay a moment longer in this house. .
I hope, madam, you will have the goodness to give
me a character; indeed, and indeed, I fed Poll, but I
believe he got cold when you let him stand out of
doors the other day. I will give you- no character, I
tell you, said Mrs. Addis, so depart this instant; oh,
my poor dear, dear creature! I fear you will never re-
cover-John! Thomas! here, run this instant to Per-
kins the bird-catcher, perhaps he can tell me what to
give him ; then bursting into a flood of tears, she sat
down and forgot her guests.
Mrs. Benson thought it necessary to remind her.
that she was in the house, and stepped to the door to
ask what was the matter. Mrs. Addis recollected her-
84
self sufficiently to beg pardon for neglecting to pay at-
tention to her, but declared that the dreadful misfor-
tune that had befallen her had made her insensible to
every thing else.
What can be the matter, said Mrs. Benson ? have
you heard of the death of a dear friend ? has your child
met with an accident ?-Oh! no, said she, but poor
Poll is taken suddenly ill; my dear Poll which I have
had these seven years, and I fear he never will recover.
If this is all, madam, said Mrs. Benson, I really
cannot pity you, nor excuse your behaviour to me; for
it is an instance of disrespect which I believe no other
person but yourself would show me, and I shall take
my leave of your house for ever: but, before I go,
permit me to say, that you act in a very wrong manner,
and will certainly feel the ill effects of your injustice
to your fellow-creatures, in thus robbing them of the
love you owe them, to lavish it away on those animals
which are really sufferers by your kindness.
At this instant the footman entered to inform Mrs.
Benson that her servant was come; on which, accom-
panied by her daughter, she, without further ceremony,
left Mrs. Addis to compose herself as she could.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

VA
AR
:
.
1
SEN
.
V P
in
IA
LYR
ONS
nu
.
2
A
.
LI
RE
7.
RE
S
TV
!
WWW
IA
.
.
KA
?
-
.
11
/
.
12
A
-
a
-
DIA
WS
.
-
-
AL
EUS
TRUST
It
.
.
WSA7
1
-
.
S
NMS
-
KUN
42
-
VOIMWI
VI
O
IL
MS
-
*
.
.
AN
S
0219
.
.
:
-
W
!
"
Art
Vol
IND
Tommittlunch
hii
-
SITO
all
14
AUR?
UBIS
Hi
:
IIIIII
.
.
H
TILIA
.
.
1
Uh.
.
E
A
SRM
WWW.
1
ID:
UR
Ua7"
CHAP. XI.
MRS. AND MISS BENSON GOING TO VISIT A SICK MAN..
YU
As they walked along, both Mrs. Benson and her
daughter continued silent, for the former, was greatly.
agitated, and the latter quite in consternation, at what
had lately passed; but their attention was soon awak-
ened by the suplication of a poor woman, who en-
treated them to give her some relief, as she had a sick
husband and seven children in a starving condition : of
which, she said, they might be eyewitnesses if they
would have the goodness to step into, a barn that was
very near.
Mrs. Benson, who was always ready to relieve the
distressed, taking her daughter by the hand, and desir-
ing the servant to stop for her, followed the woman,
86
1
.
who conducted her to the abode of real woe, where
she beheld a father, surrounded by his helpless family,
whom he could no longer maintain, and who, though
his disease was nearly subdued, was himself almost
ready to die for want of good nourishing diet.
How came you all to be in this condition, good.
woman? said Mrs. Benson to his wife; surely you
might have obtained relief before your husband was
reduced to such extremity!
Oh! my good lady, said the woman, we have not
been used to beg, but to earn an honest livelihood by
our industry; and never till this sad day have I known
what it was to ask charity: this morning, for the first
time, I applied at the only great house in this village,
where I made no doubt there was abundance. I told
my dismal tale to a servant, and begged she would
make it known to her mistress; but she assured me it
was in vain to come there, for her lady had such a
family of cats, dogs, monkeys, and all manner of crea-
tures, that she had nothing to spare for poor people;
at the same instant I saw the poulterer bring a rabbit
and a fowl, which I found were for the favourite cat
and dog. This discouraged me from begging; and I
had determined that I never would ask again ; but the
sight of my dear husband and children in this condition
drove me to do it.
Well, comfort yourself, said Mrs. Benson; we will
see what we can do ; in the meantime here is some-
thing for a present supply. Mrs. Benson then de-
parted, as she was fearful of walking late.
Miss Harriet was greatly affected at this scene, and
could no longer help exclaiming against Mrs. Addis.
She is deserving of great blame, indeed, said Mrs.
87.
.
Benson; but I have the pleasure to say, such charac-
ters as hers are very uncommon, I mean in the 'ex-
treme; though there are numbers of people who fall
into the same fault in some degree, and make them-
selves truly ridiculous with their unnatural affections. I:
wish you, while you are young, to guard your mind
against such a blameable weakness.
Miss Harriet assured her mama that she should never
forgét either Miss Addis or the lesson she had received
on the subject, and then expressed her satisfaction that
they had met the poor woman. I rejoice sincerely,
said Mrs. Benson, at having been fortunate enough to
come in time to assist this poor miserable family, and
hope, my love, you will, out of your own little purse,
contribute something towards their relief. Most wil-
lingly, said Harriet, they shall be welcome to my whole
store.
They kept talking on this subject till they arrived at
home. Little Frederick, who sat up an hour beyond
his time, came out to meet them, and assured his sister
that the birds were well and fast asleep. I think, said
she, it is time for you and me to follow their example;
for my part, with my morning and evening walk toge-
ther, I am really tired, so shall beg leave to wish you a
good night, my dear mama; papa, I suppose, will not
be at home this week.--No, my dear, nor the next;
said Mrs. Benson, for he has many affairs to settle in
the west. I am rather fatigued also, and shall soon re-
fire to rest..
At the usual hour of visiting Mrs. Benson's tea-
table, the next day, the Parent Robins took their morn-
ing's flight, and found the young gentleman and lady
with their inama. They had been up a long time, for
88
Frederick had made in his bedchamber a lodging for
the birds, which had awakened both him and his sister
at a very early hour, and they rose with great readiness
to perform the kind office they had imposed upon
themselves.
The two blackbirds were perfectly well, but the
linnet looked rather drooping, and they began to be.
apprehensive they should not raise him, especially
when they found he was not inclined to eat. As for
the blackbirds, they were very hungry indeed; and
their young benefactors, not considering that when fed.
by their parents, young birds wait some time between
every morsel, supplied them too fast, and filled their
crops so full, that they looked as if they had great wens.
on their necks; and Harriet perceived one of them
gasping for breath. Stop, Frederick, said she, as he
was carrying the quill to its mouth, the bird is so full
he can hold no more; but she spoke too late : the
little creature gave his eyes a ghastly roll, and fell on:
one side suffocated with abundance. Oh! be is dead!
he is dead! cried Frederick. He is, indeed, said Miss
Benson, but I am sure we did not design to kill him;
and it is some satisfaction to think that we did not take
the nest.
This consideration was not sufficient to comfort
Frederick, who began to cry most bitterly; his mama
hearing him, was apprehensive he had hurt himself, for
be seldom cried unless he was in great pain; she there-
fore hastily entered the room, to inquire what was the
matter, on which Miss Harriet related the disaster
that had happened. Mrs. Benson then sat down, and
taking Frederick in her lap, wiped his eyes, and giving
him a kiss, said, I am sorry, my love, for your dis-
89
appointment; but do not afflict yourself, the poor little
thing is out of his pain now, and I fancy suffered but
for a short time. If you keep on crying so, you will"
forget to feed your flock of birds, which I fancy, by
the chirping I heard from my window, are beginning
to' assemble. Come, let me take the object of your
distress out of your sight, it must be buried; then carry-
ing the dead bird in one hand, and leading Frederick
with the other, she went down stairs.
While she was speaking, Miss Harriet had been
watching the other blackbird, which she had soon the
pleasure to see perfectly at his ease.
She then attempted to feed the linnet, but he would
not eat. I fancy, Miss, said the maid, he wants air.
That may be the case, indeed, replied Miss Benson;
for you know, Betty, this room, which has been shut
up all night, must be much closer than the places
birds build in. Saying this she opened the window,
and placed the linnet near it, waiting to see the effect
of the experiment, which answered her wishes; and
she was delighted to behold how the little creature
gradually smoothed his feathers, and his eyes resumed
their native lustre; she once more offered him food,
which he took, and quite recovered. Having done all
in her power for her little orphans, she went to share
with her brother the task of feeding the daily pen-
sioners; which being ended, she seated herself at the
breakfast table by her mama.
I wonder, said Frederick, who had dried up his tears,
that the Robins are not come. Consider, replied his
sister, that they have a great deal of business to do,
now their young ones begin to leave their nest; they
will be here by and by, I make no doubt. An instant
90.
CS
after they entered the room. The sight of them per-
fectly restored Frederick’s cheerfulness; and after they
were departed he requested his mama that he and
Harriet might go again into the orchard, in hopes of
seeing the young Robins. That you shall do, Frederick,
said she, upon condition that you continue a very good
boy; but as yesterday was rather an idle day with you,
you must apply a little closer to-day; and Harriet has
a great deal of business to do, therefore you must wait
till evening, and then perhaps I may go with you.
Frederick was satisfied with this promise, and took
great pains to read and spell. He repeated by heart
one of Mrs. Barbauld's hymns, and some other little
things which he had been taught; and Miss Benson
applied herself to a variety of different lessons with
great diligence, and performed her task of work entirely
to her mama's satisfaction.
As soon as the old Redbreasts left their little family,
in order to go to Mrs. Benson's, Pecksy, with great
kindness, began to ask Robin where he had hurt him-
self, and how he did? Oh! said he, I am much better;
but it is a wonder I am now alive, for you cannot think
what a dreadful fall I had. With turning about as I
did in the air, I became quite giddy, so could not make
the least exertion for saving inyself as I was falling,
and came with great force to the ground; you see how
my eye is still swelled, and it was much more so at first.
My wing is the worst, and still gives me a good deal
of pain; observe how it drags on the ground; but, as
it is not broke, my father says it will soon be well; and
I hope it will be so, for I long to be flying, and shall
be glad to receive any instructions for the future. I
cannot think how I could be so foolishly conceited, as
91
to suppose I knew how to conduct myself without my
father's guidance.
Young creatures, like us, said Pecksy, certainly stand
in need of instruction, and ought to think ourselves
happy in having parents who are willing to take the
trouble of teaching us what is necessary for us to
know. I dread the day when I must quit the nest and
take care of myself. Flapsy said, she made no doubt
they should know how to fly and peck, and do every
thing before that time; and, for her part, she longed to
see the world, and to know how the higher ranks of
birds behaved themselves, and what pleasures they
enjoyed; and Dicky declared he felt the same wishes,
though he must confess he had great dread of birds
of prey.-Oh, said Flapsy, they will never seize such
a pretty creature as you, Dicky, I am sure. Why, if
beauty can prevail against cruelty, you will be secure,
my sweet sister, replied he, for your delicate shape
must plead in your behalf. ,
Just as he had finished his speech, a hawk appeared
in sight, on which the whole party was seized with a
most uncommon sensation, and threw themselves on
their backs, screaming with all their might! and at the
same instant the cries of numbers of little birds echoed
through the orchard. The Redbreasts soon recovered,
and, rising on their feet, looked about to see what was
become of the cause of their consternation; when they
beheld him high in the air, bearing off some unhappy
victim, a few of whose feathers fell near the young
family, who, on examining them, found they belonged
to a goldfinch; on which Pecksy observed, that it was
evident these savages paid no attention to personal
beauty. Dicky was so terrified he knew not what to
S
11
92
do, and had thoughts of flying back to the nest; but
after Robin's misfortune, he was fearful of offending
his father; he therefore got up into a currant-bush, and
hid himself in the thickest part of the leaves. Flapsy
followed him; but Robin being obliged to keep on
the ground, Pecksy kindly resolved to bear him com-
pany.
In a few minutes their parents returned from Mr.
Benson's, and found the two latter pretty near where
they had left them; but missing the others, the mother
with great anxiety inquired what was become of them ?
Robin then related how they had been frightened by
a hawk; and, while he was doing so, they returned to
hiin again.
I am surprised, said the father, that a hawk should
have ventured so near the spot where the gardener was
at work. Pecksy informed him that they had not seen
the gardener since he left them. Then I dare say he
is gone to breakfast, replied the mother; and this was
the case, for they at this instant saw him return with his
shears in his hand, and soon pursue his work. Now
you will be safe, cried the father; I shall therefore stay
and teach you to fly in different directions, and then
your mother and I will make some little excursions,
and leave you to practise by yourselves; but first of all
let me show you where to get water, for I fear you
must be very thirsty. No, said they, we have had seve-
ral wet worms and juicy caterpillars, which have served
us both for victuals and drink-Robin is very quick at
finding them. There is nothing like necessity to teach
birds how to live, said the father; I am glad Robin's
misfortunes have been so beneficial to him. What would
have become of you, Robin, if you had not exerted
Y
93
yourself as I directed? said his mother; you would
soon have died, had you continued to lie on the scorch-
ing ground. Remember from this instance, as long as
you live, that it is better to use means for your own
relief, than to spend time in fruitless lamentations. But
come along, Dicky, Flapsy, and Pecksy, there is water
near. He then conducted them to the pump from
whence Joe watered the garden; which was near the
tool-house where Robin slept.
Here they stayed some time, and were greatly amused;
still so near the gardener, that they regarded themselves
as under his protection. The parents flew up into a
tree, and there the father entertained his beloved mate
and family with his cheerful music; and sometimes
they made various airy excursions for examples to their
little ones, who all longed to be able to imitate them.
In this manner the day passed happily away, and early
in the evening Flapsy, Pecksy, and Dicky, were con-
ducted to the nest; they mounted in the air with much
more ease than the preceding day, and the parents in-
structed them how to fly to the branches of some trees
which stood near to the ivy-wall.
In the mean time they had left Robin by himself,
thinking he would be safe while the gardener was mow-
ing some grass : but what was the grief of both father
and mother when they returned, and could neither see
nor hear him! The gardener too was gone; they there-
fore apprehended that a cat or rat had taken Robin
away and killed him, yet none of his feathers were to
be seen; with the most anxious search they explored
every recess in which they thought it possible for him
to be, and strained their little voices till they were
hoarse with calling him, but all in vain; the tool-house
94
7
was locked: but had he been there he would have anl-
swered : at length, quite in despair of finding him, with
heavy hearts they returned to the nest; a general la-
mentation ensued, and this lately happy abode was
now the region of sorrow. The father endeavoured to
comfort his mate and surviving nestlings, and so far
succeeded, that they resolved to bear the loss with pa-
tience.
After a mournful night, the mother left the nest early
in the morning, unwilling to relinquish the hope which
still remained.of finding Robin again; but having spent
an hour in this manner, she returned to her mate, who
was comforting his little ones.
Come, said he, let us take a flight: if we sit lament-
ing here for ever it will be to no purpose : the evils
which befall us must be borne, and the more quietly we
· submit to them the lighter they will be. If poor Robin
is dead, he will suffer no more; and if he is not, so
much as we fly about, it is a chance but what we get
tidings of him; suppose these little ones attempt to fly
with us to our benefactors ? If we set out early, and
let them rest frequently by the way, I think they may
accomplish it. This was very pleasing to every one of
the little ones, for they longed to go thither; and ac-
cordingly it was determined that they should immedi-
ately set out, and they accomplished the journey by
easy stages; at length they all arrived in the court, just
after the daily pensioners were gore.
Now, said the father, stop a little, and let me advise
you, Dicky, Flapsy, and Pecksy, to behave yourselves
properly; hop only where you see your mother and
me hop, and do not meddle with any thing but what is
scattered on purpose. Stay, father, said . Dicky, my
. 95
feathers are sadly rumpled; and so are mine, said
Flapsy. Well, smooth them then, said he, but don't
stand finicking for an hour. Pecksy was ready in an
instant, but the others were very tedious; so their father
and mother would wait for them no longer, and flew
into the window; the others directly followed them,
and to the inexpressible satisfaction of Master Benson,
alighted on the tea-table, where they met with a very
unexpected pleasure: for who should they find there,
as a guest, but the poor lost Robin!
The meeting was, you may be sure, a happy one for
all parties; and the transports it occasioned may be
easier conceived than described. The father poured
forth a loud song of gratitude, the mother chirped, she
bowed her head, clapped her wings, basked on the tea-
table, joined her beak to Robin's, then touched the
hand of Master Frederick. As for the young ones,
they twittered a thousand questions to Robin; but, as
he was unwilling to interrupt his father's song, he de-
sired them to suspend their curiosity to another oppor-
tunity. But it is now time to satisfy yours, my young
readers. I shall therefore inform you, in the ensuing
chapter, by what means Robin was placed in this
happy situation.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

.
20
S-
TA
ody,
-
-
-
li
sos
40
H.WP
Bu
ON
IC
Will
.
2
INSU
PAS
AL
W
William
UN
:
Gileri
U
.
.
KETT
.
**
.
".
.
Predno
mwenye
CHAP. XII.
MASTER FREDERICK PUTTING THE LAME ROBIN INTO
THE GARDENER'S HAT.
You may remember, my young readers, that Master
Frederick obtained from his mama a promise, that when
the business of daily instruction was finished, he and
his sister should go into the orchard in search of the
Robins; as soon, therefore, as the air was sufficiently
cool, she took them with her, and arrived just after the
parent birds had taken their young ones back to the
nest. Robin was then left by himself, and kept hopping
about; and fearing no danger, got into the middle of
the walk. Frederick descried him at a distance, and
eagerly called out, There's one of them, I declare;
and, before his mama observed him, he ran to the
97
place, and clapped his little hand over it, exulting that
he had caught it. The pressure of his hand hurt
Robin's wing, who sent forth piteous cries; on which
Frederick let him go, and said, I won't hurt you, you
little thing. .
Miss Harriet, who saw him catch the bird, ran as
fast as possible to prevent his detaining it; and per-
ceived, as Robin hopped away, that he was lame, on
which she concluded that her brother had hurt him;
but, on Frederick's assuring her that his wing hung
down when he first saw him, Mrs. Benson said it was
most likely he was lamed by some accident, which had
prevented his going with the others to the nest; and if
that is the case, said she, it will be humane and charit-
able to take care of him..
Frederick was delighted to hear her say so, and asked
whether he might carry it home? Yes, said his mama,
provided you can take him safely. Shall I carry him,
madam ? said Joe: he can lie nicely in my hat. This
was an excellent scheme, and all parties approved of
it; so Frederick took some of the soft grass which was
mowed down, to put at the bottom, and poor Robin
was safely deposited in this vehicle, which served him
for a litter, and perceiving into what hands he was
fallen, he inwardly rejoiced, knowing that he had an
excellent chance of being provided for, as well as of
seeing his dear relations again. I need not say that
great care was taken of him; and you will easily sup-
pose he had a more comfortable night than that he had
passed in the shed.
When Master and Miss Benson arose the next
morning, one of their first cares was to feed the birds,
and they had the pleasure to see all their nestlings in a
98
very thriving condition; both the linnet and the black-
bird now hopped out of their nests to be fed, to the
great diversion of Master Frederick: but this pleasure
was soon damped by an unlucky accident; for the
blackbird being placed in a window which was open,
hopped' too near the edge, and fell to the ground,
where he was snapped up by a dog, and torn to pieces
in an instant. Frederick began to lament as before ;
but, on his sister's reminding him that the creature was
past the sense of pain, he restrained himself, and turned
his attention to the linnet, which he put into a cage,
that he might not meet the same fate. He then went to
feed the flock, and to inquire after Robin, whom Mrs.
Benson had taken into her own room, lest Frederick
should handle and hurt him; to his great joy he found
him much better : for he could begin to use his injured
wing. Frederick was therefore trusted to carry him
into the breakfast parlour, where he placed him as has
been already described.
For some time the young Redbreasts behaved very
well; but at length Dicky, familiarized by the kind
treatment he met with, forgot his father's injunctions,
and began to hop about in a very rude manner; he
even jumped into the plate of bread and butter; and,
having a mind to taste the tea, hopped on the edge of
a cup; but, dipping his foot in the hot liquor, he was
glad to make a hasty retreat, to the great diversion of
Master Frederick. Flapsy took the freedom of peck-
ing at the sugar, but found it too hard for her tender
beak. For these liberties their mother reproved them,
saying she would never bring them with her again, as
they were guilty of such rudeness as to take what was
not offered them.
99
.
.
As their longer stay would have broke in on a plan
which Mrs. Benson had.concerted, she rang her bell,
and the footman came to remove the breakfast things;
on which the old birds, having taken leave of Robin,
and promised to come again the next day, flew out at
the window, followed by Dicky, Flapsy, and Pecksy.
Robin was safely deposited in a cage, and passed a
happy day, being often allowed to hop out, in order to
be fed. . ...
The parent birds alighted in the court, and conducted
their little ones to the water which was set out for them,
after which they all returned to the nest; here the
young ones rested till the afternoon, and then their
parents took them out, in order to show them the
orchard.
You have not yet seen, said the father, the whole
extent of this place, and I wish to introduce you to our
neighbours. He then led the way to a pear-tree, in
which a Linnet had built her nest. The old Linnets
seemed much pleased to see their friends the Red-
breasts, who, with great pride, introduced their little
family to them. My own nestlings are just ready to
fly, said the Hen Linnet, and I hope will make ac-
quaintance with them; for birds so well instructed as,
I make no doubt, your offspring are, must be very
desirable companions. The little Redbreasts were de-
lighted with the hopes of having some agreeable friends;
and the old ones replied, that they had themselves re-
ceived so much pleasure from social friendship, that
they wished their young ones to cultivate it.
They then flew on to a cherry-tree, in which were a
pair of Chaffinches in great agitation, endeavouring to
part one of their own brood and a young Sparrow,
F 2
100
which were engaged in a furious battle: but in vain;
neither of the combatants would desist, till the Chaffinch
dropped dead to the ground. His parents were greatly
shocked at this accident; on which the Cock Redbreast
attempted to comfort them with his strains; but, find-
ing them deaf to his music, he begged to know the cause
of the quarrel, which had so fatal a conclusion.
Oh! answered the Hen Chaffinch, my nestling is
lost through his own folly. I cautioned him repeatedly
not to make acquaintance with Sparrows, knowing they
would lead him into mischief; but no remonstrances
would prevail. As soon as he began to peck about, he
formed a friendship with one of that voracious breed,
who undertook to teach him to fly and provide for him-
self; so he left his parents, and continually followed
the Sparrow, who taught him to steal corn, and other
things, and to quarrel with every bird he met; I
expected to see him killed continually. At length his
companion grew tired of him, and picked a quarrel,
which ended as you have seen. However, this is better
than if he had been caught by men and hung up, as I
have seen many a bird, for a spectacle, to deter others
from stealing.
Let me advise you, my young friends, said she, ad-
dressing herself to the little Redbreasts, to follow your
parents' direction in every respect, and avoid bad com-
pany. She then, accompanied by her mate, flew back
to her nest, in order to acquaint the rest of the family
with this dreadful catastrophe, and the Redbreasts took
another flight.
They alighted on the ground, and began pecking
about, when all of a sudden they heard a strange noise,
which rather alarmed the young ones. Their father
101
.
17
desired them to have no fears, but to follow him; he
led them to the top of a high tree, in which was a nest
of Magpies, who had the day before made an excursion
round the orchard, and were conversing on what they
had seen, but in such a confused manner, that there was
no such thing as understanding them; one chattered of
one thing, and one of another. In short, all were eager
to speak, and none inclined to hear.
What a set of foolish ill bred little creatures are
these, said the Cock Redbreast: if they would talk
one at a time, what each says might afford entertain-
ment to the rest; but, by chattering all together in this
manner, they are quite disagreeable. Take warning
from them, my nestlings, and avoid the fault which
renders them so ridiculous.
So saying, he flew on, and they soon saw a Cuckoo,
surrounded by a number of birds, who had been peck-
ing at her till she had scarce a feather left upon her
breast, while she kept repeating her own dull note,
Cuckoo! Cuckoo ! incessantly. Get back again to
your own country, said a Thrush, what business have
you in ours, sucking the eggs, and taking the nest of
any bird you meet with. Surely it would be sufficient
could you have the privilege of building for yourself,
as we do who are natives; but you have no right to
seize upon our labours, and devour our offspring. The
Cuckoo deserves his fate, said the Hen Redbreast :
though I am far from bearing enmity to foreign birds in
general, I detest such charactersectis. I wonder man-
kind do not drive Cuckoos away; but I suppose it is on
account of their being the harbingers of summer.
How different is the character of the Swallow; he
comes here to enjoy the mildness of the climate, and
102
U
confers a benefit on the land, by destroying many
noxious insects. I rejoice to see that race sporting in
the air, and have had high pleasure in conversing with
them; for, as they are great travellers, they have much
to relate. But come, let us go on.
: They soon came to a hollow tree. · Peep into this
hole, said the cock bird to his young ones; they did
so, and beheld a nest of young Owls. What a set of
ugly creatures, said Dicky: surely you do not intend to
show your frightful faces in the world! Did ever any
one see such dull eyes, and such a frightful muffle of
feathers !
Whoever you are that reproach us with the want of
beauty, you do not show your own good sense, replied
one of the little Owls; perhaps we may have' qualities
which render us as amiable as yourselves; you do not
appear to know that we are night, and not day birds :
the quantity of feathers in which we are muffled up is
very comfortable to us when we are out in the cold;
and I can show you a. pair of eyes, which, if you are
little birds, will frighten you out of your wits; and, if
I could fly, I would let you see what else I could do.
He then drew back the film which was given him that
the strong light of the day might not injure his sight,
and stared full at Dicky, who was struck with astonish-
ment.
.. At that instant the parent Owl returned; and, seeing
a parcel of strangers looking into her nest, she set up
a screeching, which made the whole party take wing.
As soon as they stopped to rest, the Cock Redbreast,
who was really frightened, as well as his mate and
family, recollected himself, and said, Well, Dicky, how
did you like the Owl's eyes? I fancy they proved
1
103
brighter than you expected; but, had they even been as
ugly as you supposed, it was very rude and silly in you
to notice it. You ought never to censure any bird for
natural deformities, since no one contracts them by
choice; and what appears disageeable to you, may be
pleasing in the eyes of another. Besides, you should
be particularly careful not to insult strangers, because
you cannot know their deserts, nor what power they
may have of revenging themselves. You may think
yourself happy if you never meet one of these Owls by
night, for, I assure you, they often feed upon little birds
like us; and you have no reason to think they will spare
you, after the affront you have given them. But come,
let us fly on. However, before we give any further ac-
count of their adventures, let us return to their bene-
factors.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

STI
al
V
Elli
.
*
to use
TI
:: HIN
SO
T2
.
|
re
..:-
W
--
GA
CHAP: XIII.
MISS BENSON RELIEVING A POOR WOMAN.
Just as Mrs. Benson and the young lady and gentle-
man were preparing to leave the room, after having
witnessed the happy meeting of the Redbreast family
at their tea-table, the servant entered and informed
them that a poor woman was at the gate, who had been
ordered to attend in the morning. Mrs. Benson de-
sired she might come up. Well, good woman, said the
benevolent lady, how does your husband do? Thanks.
to your goodness, madam, and the blessing of God,
quite cheery, said the woman.
I am happy, said the lady, to find you in better
spirits than you were the other night, and do not doubt
you will do very well. I will order some meat and
105
NYT
bread to be sent you every day this week, and will also
assist you in clothing the children. Harriet's eyes
- glistened with benevolence at seeing the woman, whose
distress had so greatly affected her, thus comforted;
and slipping her purse, which contained seven shillings,
into her mama's hand, she begged her to take it for
the woman. You shall, my dear, said Mrs. Benson,
have the pleasure of relieving her yourself; give this
half-crown to her. Miss Harriet, with a delight which
none but the compassionate can know, extended the
hand of charity. The woman received her benefaction
with grateful acknowledgments; and, praying that the
Almighty might shower down his choicest blessings on
this worthy family, respectfully took leave and returned
to her husband, who, by means of the nourishment
Mrs. Benson supplied her with, gathered strength
hourly,
As soon as she was gone Mrs. Benson informed her
son and daughter, that she intended to take them with
her to Farmer Wilson's, where she made no doubt they
would pass a happy day; and desired them to go and
get equipped for the journey, while she dressed herself. .
The young folks obeyed without hesitation; and, having
given their maid very strict injunctions to feed Robin
and the Linnet, they attended their mama to the coach.
Leaving this happy party to enjoy their pleasant drive,
let us go back to the Robins whom we left on the wing
in search of further adventures.
They soon alighted on a tree, in which was a Mock-
bird*, who, instead of singing any note of his own,
* The Mock-bird is properly a native of America, but is intro-
duced here for the sake of the moral.
F 3
106
.
.
'
kept successively imitating those of every bird that
inhabited the orchard, and this with a view of making
them ridiculous. If any one had any natural imper-
fection in his singing, he was sure to mimic it; or if
any was particularly attentive to the duties of his sta-
tion, he ridiculed him as grave and formal. The young
Redbreasts were excessively diverted with this droll
creature; but their father desired them to consider
whether they should like to hear him mimic them.
Every one agreed that they should be very angry to be
ridiculed in that manner. Then, replied the father,
neither encourage nor imitate them. The Mock-bird
hearing him, took up his notes-Neither encourage nor
imitate him, said he. The Cock Redbreast on this
flew at him, with fury, plucked some feathers from his
breast, and sent him screaming from the place. I have
made you sing a natural note at last, said he, and hope
you will' take care how you practise mimickry again.
His mate was sorry to see him disturb his temper, and
ruffle his feathers, for such an insignificant creature ;
but he told her it was particularly necessary as an ex-
ample to his nestlings, as mimickry was a fault to which
young birds were too apt to incline; and he wished to
show them the danger they exposed themselves to in
the practice of it.
The whole Redbreast family rested themselves for
some time; and whilst they sat still they observed a
Chaffinch flying from tree to tree, chattering to every
bird he had any knowledge of; and his discourse
seemed to affect his hearers greatly, for they perceived
some birds flying off in great haste, and others meeting
them; many battles and disputes ensued. The little
Redbreasts wondered at these circumstances; at length
107
Pecksy inquired the meaning of the bustle. This
Chaffinch, replied the father, is a tell-tale; it is incon-
ceivable the mischief he makes. Not that he has so
much malice in his nature, but he loves to hear himself
chatter; and therefore every anecdote he can collect he
tells to all he meets, by which means he often raises
quarrels and animosities ; neither does he stop here, for
he frequently invents the tales he relates. . ..
· As the Redbreast was speaking the Chaffinch alight-
ed on the same tree. O, my old friend, said he, are
you got abroad in the world again? I heard the Linnet
in the pear-tree say you were caught stealing corn, and
hung up as a spectacle, but I thought this could not be
· true; besides, the Blackbird in the cherry-tree told me
that the reason we did not see you as usual was—that
you were rearing a family, to whom, he said, you were
so severe, that the poor little creatures had no comfort
of their lives.
• Whatever you may have heard, or whatever you may
say, is a matter of indifference to me, replied the Red-
breast; but as a neighbour, I cannot help advising you
to restrain your tongue a little, and consider, before
you communicate your intelligence, whether what you
are going to say has not a tendency to disturb the peace
of society.
• Whilst he was thus advising him a flock of birds
assembled about the tree; it consisted of those to whom
the Chaffinch had been chattering, who, having come
to an explanation with each other, had detected his
falsities, and determined to expel him the orchard;
which they did, with every mark of contempt and
ignominy: all the. Redbreasts joined in the pursuit, for
even the little ones saw his character in a detestable
108
light, and formed a determination to avoid his fault.
When the tell-tale was gone, the party which pursued
him alighted altogether in the same walk, and amongst
them the Redbreasts discovered many of their old
friends, with whom they now renewed their acquaint-
ance, knowing they should soon be released from family
cares; and the young ones passed a happy day in this
cheerful assembly; but at length the hour of repose
approached, when each individual fled to his resting-
place; and the Redbreasts, after so fatiguing a day, fell
asleep.
While the Redbreasts were exploring the orchard,
Mrs. Benson and her family, as we before showed, set
off on their visit to the farın, where they met with a..
most welcome reception.
Farmer Wilson was a very worthy benevolent man.
He had, by his industry, acquired sufficient to purchase
the farm he lived on, and had a fair prospect of pro-
viding for a numerous family, whom he brought up
with the greatest care, as farmers' sons and daughters
used formerly to be, and taught them all to be merciful
to the cattle which were employed in his business.
His wife, a most amiable woman, had received a
good education from her father, who was formerly
curate of the parish. This good man had strongly
implanted in his daughter's miud the Christian doctrine
of universal charity, which she exercised, not only
towards the human species, but also to poultry, and
every living creature which it was her province to ma-
nage.
Mrs. Benson knew that her children would here
have an opportunity of seeing many different animals
treated with propriety; and it was on this account that
2
109
she took them with her, though she herself visisted these
good people from a motive of sincere respect.
As soon as they were seated, Mrs. Wilson regaled her
young guests with a piece of nice cake, made by her
daughter Betsy, a little girl of twelve years old, who
sat by, enjoying, with secret delight, the honour which
the little lady and gentleman did to her performance.
It happened fortunately to be a cool day, and Mrs.
Benson expressed a desire to walk aboưt and see the
farm.
In the first place Mrs. Wilson showed her the house,
which was perfectly neat, and in complete order. She
then took her guests into her dairy, which was well
stored with milk and cream, butter and cheese. From
thence they went to visit the poultry-yard, where the
little Bensons were excessively delighted indeed: for
there were a number of cocks and hens, and many
broods of young chickens, besides turkeys and Guinea-
fowls. .. .
All the fowls expressed the greatest joy at the sight
of Mrs. Wilson and her daughter Betsy; the cocks
celebrated their arrival by loud and cheerful crowings;
the hens gave notice of their approach by cackling, and
assembled their infant train to partake of their bounty;
the turkeys and Guinea-fowls ran to meet them; a
number of pigeons also alighted from a pigeon-louse.
Betsy scattered amongst them the grain which she
carried in her lap for that purpose, and seemed to have
great pleasure in distributing it.
When their young visitors were satisfied with seeing
the poultry fed, Mrs. Wilson showed them the hen-
house, and other conveniences provided for them, to
make their lives comfortable; she then opened a little
door, which led to a meadow, where the fowls were
110
often indulged to ramble and refresh themselves. On
seeing her approach this place, the whole party collect-
ed, and ran into the meadow, like a troop of schoolboys
into their play-ground.
You, Mrs. Wilson, and your daughter, must have
great amusement with these pretty creatures, said Mrs.
Benson.-We have indeed, Madam, said she, and they
furnish us with eggs and chickens, not only for our own
nise, but for the market also.---And can you prevail on
yourself to kill these sweet creatures ? said Miss Ben-
son.--Indeed, Miss, I cannot, said Mrs. Wilson, and
never did kill a chicken in my life; -but it is an easy
matter to find people capable of doing it; and there is
an absolute necessity for some of them to die, for they
breed so fast, that in a short time we should have more
than we could possibly feed: but I make it a rule to
render their lives as happy as possible; I never shut
them up to fatten any longer than I can help, use no
cruel methods of cramming them, nor do I confine
them in a situation where they can see other fowls at
liberty; neither do I take the chickens from the hen till
she herself deserts them; nor set hens upon ducks' eggs.
I often regret, said Mrs. Bensou, that so many lives
should be sacrificed to preserve ours; but we must eat
animals, or they would at length eat us, at least all that
would otherwise support us.
Whilst this conversation passed; Master Frederick
had followed the fowls into the meadow, where the
turkey-cock, taking him for an enemy, had attacked
him, and frightened him so much, that he at first cried
out for help, but soon recollected that this was cowardly,
so he pulled off his hat, and drove the creature away be-
fore Betsy Wilson arrived, who was running to his
assistance.
.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

STIL
.
.
.
A
.-
11
II
-
-
. --
SO
M E . .. -
..MANAV
S
.
. -
-
..
L
.
TI
h
.
*
CO
UI
Villa
KA
2
UU
.
I
.
52
00
UI
LA
Dju
CHAP. XIV.
MRS. WILSON'S PIGSTY.
The farmer's wife next proposed (but with many apo-
logies for offering to take them to such a place) to
show them her pigsty. The name of a pigsty generally
conveys an idea of nastiness; but whoever had seen
those of Farmer Wilson would have had a very different
one. They were neatly paved, and washed down
every day; the troughs, in which they fed were scoured,
and the water they drank was always sweet and whole-
some. The Pigs themselves had an appearance of
neatness, which no one could have expected in such
kind of animals; and though they had not the ingenuity
of the Learned Pig, there was really something intelli-
gent in their gruntings, and a very droll expression in
112
the eyes of some of them. They knew their benefac-
tors, and found means of testifying their joy at seeing
them, which was increased when a boy, whom Mrs.
Wilson had ordered to bring some bean-shells, emptied
his basket before them. Now a scramble took place,
and each Pig began pushing the others aside, and stuff-
ing as fast as he could, lest they should have more than
himself.
Miss Benson said she could not bear to see such
greediness. It is, indeed, replied Mrs. Benson, very
disagreeable, even in such creatures as these; but how
much more so in the human species : and yet how fre-
quent is this fault amongst children in particular? Pray
look at these Pigs, Frederick, and tell me if you ever
remember to have met with a little boy who ate straw-
berries as these Pigs do bean-shells? Frederick's cheeks,
at this question, were covered with conscious blushes;
on which his mamá kindly kissed him, and said she
hoped he had seen enough of greediness to-day to serve
him for a lesson as long as he lived.
In a separate sty was a Sow with a litter of young
Pigs. This was a very pleasing sight indeed to Master
Frederick, who longed to have one of them to play with;
but Mrs. Wilson told him it would make the Sow very
angry, and her gruntings would terrify him more than
the Turkey-cock had done, on which he dropped his
request, but said he should like to keep such a little
creature.
If it would always continue little, Frederick, said
Mrs. Benson, it would do very well; but it will per-
haps grow as large as its mother, and what shall we do
then ?
I fear, ladies, said Mrs. Wilson, you will be tired with
113
staying here; will it be agreeable to you to take a walk
in the garden? With all my heart, said Mrs. Benson..
Mrs. Wilson then conducted her guests into a gar-
den, which abounded with all kinds of vegetables for
the table, quantities of fruit, and a variety of flowers.
Master Frederick longed to taste some of the delicacies
which presented themselves to his eye; but he had
been taught never to gather fruit or flowers without
leave, nor ask for any; however, Mrs. Wilson, with
his mama's permission, treated him and his sister with
some fine cherries, which Betsy gathered and presented
in cabbage leaves, and then took them to a shady
arbour, where they sat and enjoyed their feast. After
which they went to see the bees which were at work.
in glass hives.
The sight of the Bees was a great entertainment not
only to the children but to Mrs. Benson also, who was
excessively pleased with the ingenuity and industry with
which these insects collect their honey, and wax, form
their cells, and deposit their store. She had, by books,
acquired a knowledge of the natural history of Bees,
which enabled her to examine their work with much
greater satisfaction than she would have received from
the sight of them, had she been only taught to consider
them as little stinging creatures which it was dangerous
to approach. This is quite a treat to me indeed, said
she to Mrs. Wilson; for I never before had an oppor-
tunity of seeing bees work in glass hives.
Madam, said Mrs. Wilson, I find my account in
keeping bees thus, even upon a principle of economy;
for as I do not destroy them, I have greater numbers to
work for me, and more honey every year than the last,
notwithstanding 1 feed my Bees in the winter. I have
114
made acquaintance with the Queen of every hive, who
will come tº me whenever I call her, and you shall see
one of them if you please.
On this she called, in a manner which the inhabi.
tants of the hive they were looking at were accustomed
to, and a large Bee şoon settled on her hand; in an
instant after she was covered, from head to foot, with
Bees.
Miss Benson was fearful lest they should sting, and
Frederick was running away; but Mrs. Wilson assured
them the little creatures would not do any mischief, if
· no one attempted to catch them. Bees are, in their
natural dispositions, very harmless creatures, I assure
you, Master Benson, said she; though I own they will
certainly sting little boys who endeavour to catch them
in order to suck their bag of honey, or take out their
sting : but you see, that though I have hundreds about
me, and even on my face and arms, not one offers to
do me an injury; and I believe wasps seldom sting
but in their own defence. She then threw up her
hand, on which the Queen-bee flew away in great state,
surrounded by her guards, and followed by the rest of
her subjects, each ready to lose his own life in the de-
fence of hers.
There is something very wonderful, said Mrs. Ben-
son, in the strong attachment these little creatures
have to their sovereign, and very instructive too. I
wish our good king could see all his subjects as closely -
united in his interest!---What say you, Frederick, would
you fight for your king ?-Yes, mama, if papa would.
- That, I assure you, my dear, he certainly would do,
if there were occasion, as loyally as the best Bee in
the world: and I beg you will remember what I now
115
tell you as long as you live, that it is your duty to love
your king, for he is to be considered as the father of his
country.. .. .
But, mama, said Frederick, it is the Queen that the
Bees love, and we have a Queen too. Yes, my dear,
we have so, and her Majesty is much honoured and
beloved, but it is the King who is at the head of the
nation. . .. ::
· But before we take our leave of the Bees, let me
observe to you, my dears, that several instructive les-
sons may be taken from their example.
If such little insects as these perform their daily
tasks with so much alacrity, surely it must be a shame
for children to be idle, and to fret, because they are
put to learn things which will be of the utmost conse-
quence to them in the end; and which would indeed
conduce to their present happiness, would they but
apply to them with a willing mind. Remember the
pretty hymn you have learned :
How doth the little busy Bee
Improve each shining hour, &c.
But come, Mrs. Wilson, said the Lady, we must, if
you please, take leave of the Bees, or we shall not
have time to enjoy the other pleasures you have in re-
serve for us. :
· As they walked along, Frederick so far forgot him-
self as to try to catch a moth, but his mama obliged
him to let it go immediately. Don't you think, Mrs.
Wilson, said she, it is wrong to let children catch But-
terflies and Moths ?-Indeed I do, madam, replied the
good woman. Poor little creatures! what injury can
116
they do us by flying about? In that state at least they
are harmless to us. Caterpillars and Snails, it is true,
we are obliged frequently to destroy on account of their
devouring. fruit and vegetables; but unless they abound
so as to be likely to do a real injury, I never suffer
them to be meddled with. I often think on my good
father's maxims, which were “Never to take away the
life of any creature, unless it is necessary for the benefit
of mankind. While there is food and room enough in
the world for them and us, let them live and enjoy the
blessings they were formed for,” he would say.
When I was a little girl, said Mrs. Benson, I had a
great propensity to catch flies and other insects, but
my father had an excellent microscope, in which he
showed me a number of different objects; by this means
I learned that even the minutest creatures might be as
susceptible of pain as myself; and I declare I cannot
put any thing to death without fancying I hear its
bones crack, and that I see its blood gushing from its
veins and arteries, and so far from having a pleasure
in killing even the disagreeable insects which are trou-
blesome in houses, I assure you I cannot do it myself,
nor see it done without pain ; and yet they certainly
may be considered as enemies, and as such we have a
right to destroy them.
cleanliness we could not enjoy health. It goes against
me to demolish a fine Spider's web, and yet they make
a house look very dirty; but I seldom have any in
mine: for I took care, when I first came to live in it,
to destroy the nests; and the old Spiders, finding there
was no security for their young ones here, have forsaken
119
the house; and I am inclined to think the same vigi-
lance in respect to other disagreeable insects would
have the same effect.
Doubtless, said Mrs. Benson; but, pray tell me, do
you destroy the webs of Garden Spiders also ? Not
unless they are so many as to be troublesome and dis-
agreeable, replied Mrs. Wilson. I should not myself
like to have the fruits of my industry demolished, nor
my little ones taken out of my arms, or from their
warin beds, and crushed to death. - I am of opinion,
said Mrs. Benson, that it would be a good way to ac-
custom one's self, before one kills any thing, to change
situations with it in imagination, and to suppose how
we should feel were we Bees, or Ants, or Butterflies,
or Birds, or Kittens, and so on. . .
Indeed, madam, said Mrs. Wilson, I have often
wished that poor dumb creatures had somebody to
-speak for them ; many an ivnocent life would then be
saved which is now destroyed to no end.
Well, said Harriet, I am sure I shall never kill any
thing without first magnifying it in my mind, and think-
ing what it would say for itself if able to speak.—Then,
my dear, I will engage for you, replied her mama, that
you will put but very few creatures to death: but, in order
to have a proper notion of their form, you must study
natural history, from whence you will learn how won-
derful their construction is; low carefully and tenderly
the inferior creatures provide for their young; how
ingenious their various employments are; how far they
are from harbouring malice against the human species;
and how excellently they are informed and instructed
by their Great Creator, for the enjoyment of happiness
NI
CA
118 :
in their different classes of existence, which happiness
we have certainly no right wantonly to disturb.
Besides, it is really a meanness to destroy any crea-
ture merely because it is little; and, in children, parti-
cularly absurd to do so; for, upon this principle, they
must themselves expect to be constantly ill treated ;
though no animal stands more in need of tenderness
than they do for many years from the time of their
coming into the world: and even men and women
might expect to be annihilated by the power of the
Great Creator, if every thing that is little were to be
destroyed. ....
Neither do I know how we can precisely call any
thing great or little, since it is only:so by comparing it
with others. An Ant or a Fly may appear to one of
its own species, whose eyes are formed to see those
parts which we cannot discover without glasses, as
considerable as men and women do each other; and to
creatures of the dimensions of a Mite, one of the size
of an Ant doubtless looks formidable and gigantic. I
therefore think it but justice to view insects with mi-
croscopic eyes before we do any thing to them that is
likely to give them pain, or to destroy their works un-
necessarily.
During this conversation Master Frederick kept run-
ning about making choice of flowers, which Betsy Wil-
son gathered and formed into nosegays for his mama,
. his sister, and himself.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

LAXY
SA
YAIVA
..
+++
•
NC
W.
-
-
V
LATVI
Erince35a
WW
Warzec
S
SSSS
S
43
-
2e
RESSO
ca
uni
RY
DITORE
Call
A
Othe
XII
Sota
UN
1.
MSN
XX
..
.
.
.
IWD
.
E
CREAM
..
.
T
CA
.
Ovim
i
US
v2
A
.
V
OS
CV
>> WWWTON
*USD
PAGE
ASAWA
BPG
DIS
W
MI
IR
10
S
.
.
.
..
.
..
.
!
ST
.
CHAP. XV.
MASTER FREDERICK VIEWING THE DUCKS AND
GEESE.
S
The next place Mrs. Wilson took her guests to was a
barn-yard, in which was a large horse-pond. Here her
young visitors were delighted with the appearance of a
number of Geese and Ducks; some were swimming
in the water, some diving, others routing in the mud to
see what fish or worms they could find.
It appears very strange to me, said Miss Benson,
that any creatures can take delight in making them-
selves so dirty; and yet, replied Mrs. Benson, how
many children do the same, without having any excuse
for it. The Ducks and Geese grub about so in search
of the necessaries of life; but I have seen boys do it
120
lu
merely for diversion, and sometimes at the hazard of
their lives.
· Have you any fish here, said Frederick ? I believe
none of any consequence, sir; the Ducks and the
Geese would take care that none should grow to any
considerable size; but there are plenty in a pond which
you will see in the next field; and I hope to have the
pleasure of seeing you at dinner eat of some Perch
which were caught there. Sometimes we catch fine
Carp and Tench, but only with nets; for neither my
good man nor I can bear the cruel diversion of angling;
nor do we allow our children to follow it, from a notion
that it hardens the heart, and leads to idleness.
Pray, mama, said Miss Harriet, is it right to catch
Fish? I should think, as they live in water, and we
upon land, we have no business with them. You
would wish every one then, my dear, to keep to their
own element? Your sentiment is a good one in many
respects, but it must not be extended so far as to forbid
the catching of Fish. Man has dominion over the
Fish, as well as over beasts and fowls, and many of
them are proper food for mankind; and the astonishing
increase of them shows that they are designed to be
SO; for were all that are spawned to grow to full size
there would soon be more than our ponds, or even
than the sea itself could hold, and they would be
starved; therefore there are the same reasons for our
feeding upon them as upon Poultry, but we should be
very careful to dispatch them as quickly as possible.
Some people are cruel enough to roast Lobsters
alive, the cries of which I have been told are dreadful
to hear; and others will flay Eels alive, then put them
without their skins into a pail of cold water, and after-
2
1
)
121
wards cut them to pieces, and throw them into a frying-
pan of boiling fat, where sometimes every separate
piece will writhe about in agony. Thus each poor
Fish suffers as many deaths as it is divided into pieces.
Now this, Harriet, cannot be right; however authorized
by custom; therefore I hope you will never suffer such
things to be done in your kitchen when you keep house,
but always give orders that your Lobsters be put into
boiling water, which kills them soon, and that your
Eels be killed before they are skinned, which may
soon be done by laying hold of their heads and tails
and giving them a sudden pull, which separates the
vertebræ of the back. This is dreadful enough, though
little in comparison of what they suffer by the other
methods of killing them. .
Oh, mama! said Harriet, you make me even shud-
der; I do not believe I shall ever desire to eat Eels; I
shall be ready to make speeches for every piece as it
lies in a dish before me. But, pray tell me, is it cruel
to kill Frogs and Toads? Ask Mrs. Wilson, my dear,
she has more to do with such reptiles than I have,
said Mrs. Benson.- Why, Miss, replied Mrs. Wilson,
I am very singular in regard to such kind of creatures;
and though I by no means like to have them in my
house, I do not make an outcry and condemn every
one to a violent death which is accidentally found in
my cellars or other places; on the contrary, I generally
see them thrown into a ditch at some distance to take
their chance. There are many birds and water-fowl
that feed on young Frogs and Toads, which will in
general keep then from multiplying so as to be nui-
sances to us; and it is time enough for us to take arms
against them if there happen to be a very extraordinary
TIT
122
increase of them. My good man is as particular in
respect to Moles; if he finds them in his garden, or any
other part of his grounds where they can do mischief,
he has them killed; but never suffers them to be mo-
lested when they are harmless. Neither does he hunt
after Snakes, or permit any one belonging to him to do
SO; for he says that, if they are not disturbed, they will
not come from their haunts to annoy us; and to kill
for the sake of killing is cruel.
Pray, Mrs. Wilson, said Frederick, do your sons
ever go a birds' nesting ? -No, Sir, said she, I hope I
have not a child amongst my family capable of such
barbarity. In the course of the summer they generally
have young birds to nurse, which fall out of their nests.
or lose their parents, but are seldom lucky enough to
raise them; and we have only one in a cage which
they reared last summer. Yet we have plenty of sing-
ing; for the sweet creatures, finding they may enjoy
themselves unmolested in the trees, treat us with their
harmony from morning to night, of which you had a
specimen in the garden. Sparrows, indeed, my hus-
band is under the necessity of destroying, for they are
such devourers, they would leave him but little corn to
carry to market if he did not shoot them; but he never
kills the Crows, because they are very serviceable in
picking up Grubs and other things injurious to far-
mers; we only set a little boy to watch our new sown
grain, and he keeps making a noise, which effectually,
frightens them. Oh, said Frederick, I nurse young
birds too. I have got a Linnet and a Robin Redbreast,
and I feed an hundred beside.
Mrs. Wilson smiled, and, addressing herself to Mrs.
Benson, said, Now, madam, we will, if you please,
123
S
return to the house; for I fancy by this time dinner is
nearly ready, and my husband and sons are about
coming home.
Mrs. Benson was a little tired with her ramble, and
was really impatient to see Farmer Wilson and the rest
of his amiable family. When she drew near the house,
she was met by the worthy man, who gave her a most
cordial welcome, and said he was proud to see so much
good company. Nancy, the eldest daughter, to whom
the mother had entrusted the care of inspecting the
additional cookery which she had ordered, and who, for
that reason, was not to be seen in the morning, now
maile her appearance, dressed with the most perfect
neatness; health bloomed in her cheeks, and cheerful-
ness and good humour sparkled in her eyes. With this
engaging countenance she easily prevailed on Master
Frederick to let her place him by her at the table, round
which the two other visitors, the master and mistress of
the house, and the rest of their offspring, consisting of
Thomas, a fine youth of eighteen, four young boys, and
little Betsy, were soon seated.
The table was covered with plain food, but by the
good management of Nancy, who had made an excel,
lent pudding, an apple-pie, and some delicious custards,
it inade a very good figure; and Mrs. Benson after-
wards declared, that she had never enjoyed an enter-
tainment so much. And the pleasure was considerably
heightened by the happy countenances of the whole
family.
The farmer, who was a jocose man, said a number
of droll things, which diverted his little visitors very
much; and soon after dinner he begged leave to depart,
G 2
124
as he was Sheep-shearing; but said he thought the
young gentlefolks might be diverted with the sight, so
invited them to pay him a visit in the field, and left
Joe and Neddy to conduct Master Frederick to it.
The young farmers were rather shy at first, being
afraid that their guests would laugh at their country
talk; but when they observed how politely they behaved
to their sisters, they entered into conversation, and told
Master Benson an hundred particulars about animals,
with which he was before unacquainted; and he in re-
turn related all he knew about his Redbreasts and
other pensioners. They then showed him a pretty
Cat with kittens, and also their favourite Daphne, with
two young Puppies ; the latter were kept in a kennel;
and the Cat in a stable, where they were well supplied
with food.
As Frederick knew that his sister was remarkably
fond of Cats, he stepped back to call her to look at
them, which, with her mama's permission, she was
greatly pleased to do, and longed to have the kittens,
to nurse. When she returned, she inquired whether
the Dogs and Cats were ever. permitted to come into
the house. .
Not whilst they have young ones, said Mrs. Wilson,
for they make a great deal of dirt, and are very trou-
blesome at that time; but when Puss has brought up
her family, which is designed for the stable, she shall
be admitted amongst us again; for she is a very useful
creature, and deserves to be well treated; but I do not
suffer my children to handle her; I think it looks very
ugly for any one to be all over scratches. Daphne is
admitted to a greater share of familiarity; she is very
S
125
faithful, and extremely good-natured; but we never
feed her in the house, for there is no doing so without
greasing the floors.
I am of opinion, said Mrs. Benson, that a difference
should be made between our treatment of Cats and of
Dogs. There is something very savage in the nature
of the former; and though they certainly are deserving
of our kindness on account of their usefulness, yet they
cannot make themselves so agreeable as Dogs;- and
there is really something very formidable in their talons
and teeth; and when enraged, a Cat is no better than
a little Tigress.
Besides, were there not danger to one's self in nurs-
ing Cats, there is no doing it without injury to one's
linen; for, when puss is best pleased, she generally
tramples with her talons unsheathed, by which practice
many a muslin gown and apron has been torn. And
even the cleanliness of Cats is injurious, for they
usually have recourse to corners of chairs, in order to
rub the dirt from their talons. Many people have a
great dread of this animal, and on that account it should
not be used to come into rooms in which a variety of
company is received.
As for Dogs, they are in general so very social, grate-
ful, and pleasing, that they seem formed to be the hum-
ble companions of mankind; and if kept in proper
order, they may be familiarized with safety; but then
they should be taught to know their distance. And as
there are different species of Dogs, we should make a
prudent selection, and not introduce into the house
great mastiffs or tall greyhounds; neither must we in-
dulge those we domesticate to too great a degree, for
in that case they will become as troublesome as Čats.
126
Mrs. Benson now expressed her desire to see the
Sheep-shearing; on which Mrs. Wilson and her daugh-
ter conducted her and Miss Harriet to the field, where
they arrived at the conclusion of the operation; and a
very pleasing sight it was to behold the happy creatures,
who lately waddled under a heavy heating load, relieved
from their burden, leaping and frisking with delight,
whilst the accumulated wool seemed, as it lay, to pro-
mise comfortable clothing for many a naked wretch
among the human species, who, destitute of such a
supply, would be in danger of perishing with cold in
the ensuing winter.
Miss Harriet observed the innocent countenances of
the Sheep and Lambs, and said she thought it was a
thousand pities to kill them.
It is so, my dear, said her mama, but we must not
indulge our feelings too far in respect to animals which
are given us for food; all we have to do is to avoid
barbarity. It is happy for them that having no appre-
hension of being killed, they enjoy life in peace and
security to the very last; and even when the knife is
lifted to their throats, they are ignorant of its destina-
tion : and a few struggles put an end to their pain for
ever. But come, Mrs. Wilson, will you favour us
with a sight of your Cows ?--With pleasure, madam,
said she; they are by this time driven up to be milked.
Mrs. Wilson then conducted her visitors towards the
farm-yard.
Perhaps, madam, said she, as they walked along, the
young lady and gentleman may be afraid of horned
cattle? I believe, replied Mrs. Benson, I may venture
to say that Harriet has no unreasonable fears of any
living creature; it has been my endeavour to guard the
127
minds of my children against so distressing a weakness ;
but whether Frederick's heart has acquired fortitude
enough to enable him to venture near so many Cows,
I cannot tell. yes, mama, cried Frederick, I would
sooner get up and ride into the yard on the horns of
one of them than run away. Well, we shall soon put
your courage to the proof, said Mrs. Benson; so come
along, sir.
As for my children, said Mrs. Wilson, they are re-
markably courageous in respect to animals: all the
creatures belonging to us are very harmless and gentle,
which is the natural consequence of kind treatment,
and no person need be afraid of walking in any part
of our grounds; but it is difficult to persuade some
people that there is no danger, for they are apt to
imagine that every loose horse they see will gallop
over them, and that every creature with horns will gore
and toss them.
Very true, replied Mrs. Benson; and I have knowu
many as much afraid of a toad, a froy, or a spider, as
if certain death would be the consequence of meeting
them: when, if these persons would but make use of
their reason, they would soon be convinced that such
fears are ill grounded. Frogs and Toads are very
harmless creatures, and so far from offering an injury
to any human being they may chance to meet, they hop
away with all possible expedition, from a dread of being
themselves destroyed; and Spiders drop suddenly down,
with a view to their own preservation only; and there-
fore it is highly ridiculous to be afraid of them.
Horses and oxen are much more formidable crea-
tures; they certainly could do us a great deal of mis-
chief, if they were conscious of their superior strength;
0
128
but God has wisely ordained that they should not be
so; and having given mankind dominion over them, he
has implanted in their nature an awe and dread of the
human species, which occasion them to yield subjection
to the lords of the creation, when they exert their au-
thority in a proper manner.
It is really a very wonderful thing, Mrs. Wilson, to
see a fine lively Horse submitting to the bit and har-,
ness, or a drove of Oxen quietly marching under the
direction of one man. But it is observable that these
creatures which are the most useful to us are the easiest
tamed; and yield, not only singly but in flocks, to
mankind, nay, even to boys. This shows at once the
goodness and power of the Creator.
From what I have said, my dear, added Mrs. Ben-
son, you must perceive that it is a great weakness for a
human being to be afraid of animals.
By this time the party were advanced pretty near to
the farm-yard, and Frederick espied one of the Cows
peeping over the gate; on which, with a countenance
expressive of fear, he ran hastily to his mama, and
asked her whether Cows could toss people over gates
and hedges ? What a silly question, Frederick, said
she; pray look again, and you will perceive that it is
impossible for such large heavy creatures to do so;
and these enclosures are made on purpose to confine
them within proper bounds. But did not you boast
just now that “ you could ride on the horns of one
of them?” That I shall not require you to do, for it
would very likely make the creature angry, because
Cows are not accustomed to carry any load upon their
heads ; neither would I allow you to run after them
with a stick, or to make any attempt to frighten them;
U
0
129
LI
TT
but if you approach as a friend, I make no doubt you
will be received as such ; so summon your courage and
attend us, the Cows will not hurt you, I can assure
you.
Neddy Wilson then began laughing, from the idea
that a boy should be afraid of a Cow; which made
Frederick ashamed of himself; and, quitting his mama's
gown, by which he had held fast while she was speak-
ing, he laid fast hold of Neddy's hand, and declared
his resolution to go as near the Cow as he would. I
will not take upon me to say that his little heart was
perfectly free from palpitation; but that lay in his own
bosom, where none could discover its feelings but him-
self; so let us give him as much credit for courage as
we can, and acknowledge him to have been a noble
little fellow, in thus trusting himself amongst a number
of horned cattle.
The whole party now entered the farm-yard, where
they saw eight fine Cows, fat, sleek, and beautifully
clean, who yielded several pails of rich milk; the steam
of which, added to the breath of the Cows, cast a de-
lightful fragrance around. Mrs. Wilson then entreated
her company to return to the house, where tea was
provided, and a delicious syllabub.
The farmer now came back and refreshed himself
with a cup of ale, which was very comfortable after the
fatigues of the day.
I have had, said Mrs. Benson, great pleasure in
viewing your farm, Mr. Wilson, which appears to me
to afford all the desirable comforts and conveniences
of life, and I most sincerely wish a continuance of
your prosperity. If it is not an impertinent question,
pray tell me, did you inherit the far from your
r
G 3
130
father, or was it purchased with the fruits of your own
industry?
Neither my wife nor I have led an idle life, I assure
you, madam, replied the farmer ; but next to the bless-
ing of heaven, I think myself in a great degree indebted
to my Cattle for my good success. My father left me
master of a little farm, with a few acres of land well
cropped, three Horses, two Cows, ten Sheep, a Sow
and Pigs, a Jackass, and a few Poultry; these have
gradually multiplied to what you now see me possess,
besides numbers that I have sold; and I have had fine
crops of hay and corn; so that every year I laid by a
little money, till I was able to purchase this farm,
which has proved a very good one to me.
There is something so uncommon in hearing a far-
mer attribute a part of his success in life to his Cattle,
that I should be obliged to you, Mr. Wilson, said the
lady, if you would account to me for this circumstance.
Most readily, madam, said he. .
When I was a very young man I heard a fine sermon
from the pulpit, preached by my dear wife's father, on
the subject of showing mercy to brutes, which made a
great impression on iny mind; and I have ever since
acted towards all dumb creatures as I would to man-
kind, upon the principle of doing as I would be done
by.
I always consider every beast that works for me as
my servant, and entitled to wages: but as beasts cannot
use money, I pay them in things of more value to them:
and make it a rule, unless in case of great necessity, to
let them enjoy rest on the Sabbath-day.
I am very cautious of not letting my beasts work
beyond their strength, and always give them their food
131
daily woulsed. Besido lever suit
in due season; nor do I ever suffer them to be beat or.
cruelly used. Besides giving them what I call their
daily wages, I indulge them with all the comforts I can
afford them.
In summer, when the business of the day is over,
my Horses enjoy themselves in a good pasture, and in
winter they are sheltered from the inclemencies of the
weather in a warm stable. If they get old, I contrive
some easy task for them; and when they can work no
Jonger, I let them live on the common without it, till
age and infirmities make their lives burthensome to
themselves, when I have them put to as easy a death
as possible.
Though my Cows and Sheep do not work for me,
I think them entitled to a recompense for the profit I
receive from their milk and wool, and endeavour to
repay them with the kindest usage; and even my
Jackass finds mercy from me, for I could not bear to
see so useful a creature ill treated; and as for my
Dogs, I set great store by them on account of their
fidelity.
These are very excellent rules indeed, Mr. Wilson),
and I wish they were generally followed, said Mrs.
Benson; for I believe many poor beasts suffer greatly
from the ill treatment inflicted on them; the Horses
in Post-chaises, and Hackney-coaches in London par-
ticularly. Yes, madam, said the farmer, I have heard
so, and could tell you such stories of cruelties exer-
cised on brutes in the country, as would quite shock
you; and I have seen such instances myself of the
ill effects of neglecting them, as have confirmed me
in the notions I learned from the good sermon I told
you of.
132
I am much obliged to you for your information, Mr.
Wilson, said Mrs. Benson, and hope my children will
never forget it; for it certainly is a duty to extend our
clemency to beasts and other animals. Nay, we are
strictly commanded in the Scriptures to show compas-
sion to the beasts of others, even to those of our ene-
mies; surely, then, those which are our own property,
and work for us, have a peculiar claim to it. There is
one custom which shocks me very much, and that is
pounding of cattle; I fancy, Mr. Wilson, you do not
practise that much.
Madam, replied he, I should much rather pound the
owners of them, through whose neglect or dishonesty
it generally happens that horses trespass on other
people's land. If any beast accidentally gets into my
grounds, I send it home to its owner, for it certainly is.
no wilful fault in the creature to seek the best pasture
it can find; but if I have reason to suppose his owner
turned him in, I then think myself obliged to do what
the law directs in that respect: but though it is a secret
I am obliged to keep from my neighbours, I may
safely confess to you, madam, that I have not the heart
to let a poor beast starve in a pound. As there are no
courts of justice in which beasts can seek redress, I
set up one for them in my own breast, where humanity
pleads their cause. .
I wish they had such an advocate in every breast,
Mr. Wilson, said the lady; but my watch reminds ine
we must now take our leave, which I do with many
thanks to you and Mrs. Wilson, for your kind enter-
tainment and good cheer, and shall be happy to return
your civilities at my own house; and pray bring your
whole family with you.
133
Mrs. Benson then desired her son and daughter to
prepare for their departure. Frederick was grown so
intimate with little Neddy, that he could scarcely be
prevailed on to leave him, till he recollected Robin and
the Linnet. .
As they returned in the coach, Mrs. Benson remark-
ed that farmer Wilson's story was enough to make
every one who heard it careful of their live stock, for
their own sakes; but, said she, the pleasure and advan-
tage will be greatly increased if it is done from a prin-
ciple of humanity as well as interest. Miss Benson
answered that she hoped she should neither treat ani-
mals ill, nor place her affections on them too strongly.
That, my dear, replied her good mama, is the proper
medium to be observed.
In a short time they arrived at home. The maid, to
whose care the Birds had been entrusted, gave a good
account of her charge; and Miss Harriet and Master
Frederick went to bed in peace, after a day spent with
much pleasure and improvement.
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

Illi
32/
TUN
.
12
..
in
SEBEE
.
S7
.
.
-
-
:
-
-
A
V
.
.
.
VVO
T
O
WU
As
AR
EN
ANU
TOY
A11200
BITION
MERICAN
WAVE
Ay
NARKON
OP.
SOM
AROL
HSSON
RSS
IONAL
WY
INI
/
Thinkit
ISORUNU
Tenurunwaluw
X 4011.
JULIE
Amin
til
TKD tikai
wnunun citNLIVA
Vinnat
and haut wuwi
klar
P.
>
B
svuri
O
oriunicul
NotiYWJR
1 Ltr.LVY
Deurvalisus
Purworlanine
LUNUYLALUA Tiny hrax
ncidiumini
.
M111r.at:1 IN NIUKITOK.
Kunggaran
JinxIxlntton wird
ituin VISURI
nini kimni
ww
IVOI-
DINLE
S
Title
21
IIIIII
HUMU1
HU
con
Within
WIWILI
ARTIO CHAUVOTT
Inulio
Onwinks
tangtua n
OLMAS
We
mm
IMAI
nutit
Xurg Tudorum
ITUNDIKO
CUTTINIUM
IVUIKUUTA
LITUTO
KIMIA
AKTS
SA
osty
ERROS?
1951
y
SIL
2011 01.129.
AADAY
1
Hi 14
A
H
IUNI
SOB:
98:
Best
U17
.
.
.
113
ons
NA
CHAP. XVI.
THE AVIARY.
The next morning the Redbreasts attended at Mrs.
Benson's, as usual, and Robin was still better, but his
father began to fear he would never perfectly recover
from his accident; however, he kept his apprehensions
to himself, and suffered the little ones to entertain
their lame brother with a relation of what they had seen
the day before in the orchard. Frederick and Harriet
were so diverted with the chattering and chirping of
the little things, that they did not miss the parent's
song.
When the young ones had stayed as long as she
thought right, the Hen Redbreast summoned them
away, and all took leave of Robin, who longed to go
135
with them, but was not able. The father reininded
him that he had great reason to rejoice in his present
situation, considering all things; on which he resumed
his cheerfulness, and, giving a sprightly twitter, hopped
into Master Frederick's hand, which was spread open
to receive him. The rest then flew away, and Miss
Harriet and her brother prepared for their morning
tasks..
The Redbreasts alighted as usual to drink in the
court-yard, and were preparing to return to the orchard,
when Flapsy expressed a desire to look a little about
the world; for she said it would be very mopish to be
always confined to the orchard; and Dicky seconded
her request. Pecksy replied; that however her curiosity
might be excited, she had known so much happiness in
the nest, that she was strongly attached to the paternal
spot, and could gladly pass her life there. The parents
highly commended her contented disposition; but her
father said, that as there was nothing blameable in the
inclination Dicky and Flapsy discovered for seeing the
world, provided it was kept within due bounds, he
would readily gratify it: then asking if they were
sufficiently refreshed, he took wing, and led the way to
· a neighbouring grove, where he placed his little tribe
amongst the branches of a venerable oak.
Here their ears were charmed with a most enchant-
ing concert of music. On one tree a Blackbird and a
Thrush poured forth their strong melodious notes; on
another a number of Linnets joined their sweet voices;
exalted in the air a Skylark modulated his delightful
pipe; whilst a brother of the wood, seated on a cool
refreshing turf, made the grove reecho with his me-
lody; to these the Nightingale joined his enchanting
136
lay. In short, not a note was wanting to complete the
harmony.
The little Redbreasts were so exceedingly charmed,
that for a while they continued listening with silent
rapture; at length Dicky exclaimed, How happy should
I be to join the cheerful band, and live for ever in this
charming place!
It is, replied his mother, a very pleasant situation to
be sure; but could you be sensible of the superior
advantages which, as the Redbreast, you may enjoy by
taking up your abode in the orchard, you would never
wish to change it; for my own part, I find myself so
happy in that calm retreat, that nothing but necessity
shall ever drive me from it.
Pecksy declared, that though she was much delighted
with the novelty of the scene, and charmed with the
music, she now felt an ardent desire to return home;
but Flapsy wished to see a little more first. Well,
said the father, your desires shall be gratified; let us
take a circuit in this grove, for I wish you to see every
thing worth observation in every place you go to, and
not to fly about the world, as many giddy birds do,
without the least improvement from their travels. On
this he spread his wings as the signal of departure,
which his family obeyed.
Observing à parcel of boys creeping silently along,
Stop, said lie, let us perch on this tree, and see what
these little monsters are about. Scarcely were they
seated, when one of the boys mounted an adjacent
tree, and took a nest of half-fledged Linnets, which he,
brought in triumph to his companions.
At this instant a family of Thrushes unfortunately
chirped, which directed another boy to the place of
- 137
.
their habitation; on which he climbed, and eagerly
seized the unfortunate little creatures. Having met
with so much success, the boys left the grove to exult,
at their own homes, over their wretched captives, for
ever separated from their tender parents ; who soon
came back laden with the gain of their labour, which
they had kindly destined for the sustenance of their
infant broods.
The little Redbreasts were now spectators of those
parental agonies which had been formerly described to
them; and Pecksy cried out, Who would desire to
live in this grove, after having experienced the com-
forts of the orchard ? Dicky and Flapsy were de-
sirous to depart, being alarmed for their own safety.
No, said the father, let us stay a little longer-now we
will go on.
They accordingly took another flight, and saw a man'
scattering seed upon the ground. See there, said
Dicky, what fine food that man throws down; I dare
say he is some good creature who is a friend to the
feathered race; shall we alight and partake of his
bounty?
Do not form too hasty an opinion, Dicky, said the
father; watch here with me a little while, and then do
as you will. All the little ones stretched their necks,
and kept a curious eye fixed on the man. In a few
minutes a number of Sparrows, Chaffinches, and Lin-
nets, descended, and began to regale themselves; but,
in the midst of their feast, a net was suddenly cast over
them, and they were all taken captive. The man, who
was a bird-catcher by profession, called to his assistant,
who brought a cage divided into a number of small
138
partitions, in which the Linnets and Chaffinches were
separately deposited. In this dismal prison, where
they had scarcely room to Autter, were those little
creatures confined, who lately poured forth their songs
of joy, fearless of danger. As for the Sparrows, their
necks were wrung, and they were put in a bag toge-
ther. The little Redbreasts trembled for themselves,
and were in great haste to take wing. Stay, said the
father, Dicky has not yet made acquaintance with this
friend of the feathered race. No, said Dicky, nor do
I desire it; defend me and all who are dear to me
from such friends as these! Well, said the father,
learn from this instance never to form an hasty judg-
ment, nor to put yourself into the power of strangers,
who offer you favours you have no right to expect from
their hands.
Indeed, my love, said the Mother bird, I am very
anxious to get home; I have not lately been used to
be long absent from it, and every excursion I make
endears it to me. O, the day is not half spent, replied
her mate; and I hope that, for the gratification of the
little ones, you will consent to complete the ramble.
Come, let us visit another part of the grove; I am ac-
quainted with its inmost recesses. His mate acqui-
esced, and they proceeded on their journey.
At length the father hastily called out, Turn this
way! turn this way! The whole party obeyed the word
of command, and found the good effects of their obe-
dience; for, in an instant, they saw a flash of fire; a
thick smoke followed it, and immediately they heard a
dreadful sound, and saw a young Redstart fall bleeding
to the ground, on which he struggled just long enough
139
to cry, Oh! my dear father, why did I not listen to
your kind admonitions, which I now find, too late,
were the dictates of tenderness! and then expired.
The little Redbreasts were struck with consternation
at this dreadful accident; and Pecksy, who recovered
the soonest, begged her father would inform her by what
means the Redstart was killed. He was shot to death,
said he; and had you not followed my directions, it
might have been the fate of every one of you : there-
fore let it be a lesson to you to follow every injunc-
tion of your parents with the same readiness for the
future.
You may depend on it, our experience teaches us to
foresee many dangers which such young creatures as
you have no notion of; and when we desire you to do,
or to forbear any thing, it is for the sake of your safety
or advantage : therefore, Dicky, never more stand, as
you sometimes have done, asking why we tell you to do
so and so ? for had that been the case now, you, who
were in a direct line with the gunner, would have been
inevitably shot.
They all said they would pay implicit obedience.
Do so, said he; but in order to this, you must also
remember to practise, in our absence, what we enjoin
you when present. For instance, some kinds of food
are very prejudicial to your health, which we would
not, on any account, let you taste when we are by ;
these you must not indulge in when away from us,
whatever any other bird may say in recommendation of
them. Neither must you engage in any dangerous
enterprise, which others, who have natural strength or
acquired agility, go through with safety; nor should
you go to any places which we have pointed out as
. 140
dangerous, nor join any companions which we have
forbidden you to make acquaintance with.
This poor Redstart might have avoided his fate; for
I heard his father, when I was last in the grove, advise
him not to fly about by himself till he had shown him
the dangers of the world.
Pecksy answered that she knew the value of parental
instruction so well that she should certainly treasure up
in her heart every maxim of it; and the others promised
to do the same; but, said Flapsy, I cannot understand
the nature of the accident which occasioned the death
of the Redstart.
Neither can I explain it to you, my dear, replied the
father; I only know that it' is a very common practice
with some men to carry instruments, from which they
discharge what proves fatal to many a bird; but I have,
by attentive observation, learned how to evade the nis-
chief. But come, let us descend and refresh ourselves
a little, as we may do it with safety; and then we will
see if we cannot find a place where you can have
amusement, without being exposed to such dangers as
attend the inhabitants of woods and groves.
Are you sufficiently rested to take a pretty long
flight? O yes, cried Dicky, who was quite eager to
leave the spot, in which, a short time before, he had
longed to pass his life: the rest joined in the same
wish, and every wing was instantly expanded.
The father led the way, and in a very short time he
and his family arrived at the estate of a gentleman, who,
having a plentiful fortune, endeavoured to collect all
that was curious in art and nature, for the amusement
of his own mind and the gratification of others. He
had a house like a palace, furnished with every expen-
141
sive rarity; his gardens, to which the Redbreasts took
their flight, were laid out in such a manner as to afford
the most delightful variety to the eye.
Amongst other articles of taste was an Aviary, which
was built like a temple, enclosed with brass-wire, the
frame-work was painted green, and ornamented with
carving gilt: in the middle a fountain continually threw
up fresh water, which fell into a bason whose brink was
enameled with flowers; at one end were partitions for
birds' nests, and troughs containing various kinds of
seed, and materials for building nests: this part was
carefully sheltered from every inclemency of the wea-
ther, numbers of perches were placed in different parts
of the Aviary, and it was surrounded by a most beauti-
ful shrubbery.
A habitation like this, in which all the conveniences
of life seemed to be collected, where abundance was
supplied without toil, where each gay songster might
sing himself to repose in the midst of ease and plenty,
safe from the dangers of the woods, appeared to our
young travellers desirable beyond all the situations in
the world; and Dicky expressed an earnest wish to be
admitted into it. Well, said the father, let us not de-
termine hastily; it will be advisable first to inquire
whether its inhabitants are really happy, before you
make interest to become one of the number; place
yourselves by me on this shrub, and whilst we rest
ourselves, we shall have an opportunity of seeing what
passes.
The first bird that attracted their notice was a Dove,
who sat cooing by himself in a corner, in accents so
gentle and sweet, that a stranger to his language would
have listened to them with delight; but the Redbreasts,
142
who understood their import, heard them with sympa-
thetic concern.
Oh, my dear, my beloved mate, said he, am I then
divided from you for ever? What avails it that I am
furnished here with all the elegancies and luxuries of
life? Deprived of your company I have no enjoyment
of them; the humblest morsel, though gained with
toil and danger, would be infinitely preferable to me, if
shared with you. Here am I shut up for the remainder
of my days, in society for which I have no relish,
whilst she, who has hitherto been the beloved partner of
all my joys, is for ever separated from me! In vain
will you, with painful wing, pursue your anxious search
in quest of me; never, never more, shall I bring you
the welcome refreshment; never shall I hear your
soothing voice, and delight in the soft murmurs of the
infant pair, which you hatched with such care, and
nursed with such tenderness! No, my beloved nest-
lings, never will your wretched father be at liberty to
guide your flight, and instruct you in your duty. Here
his voice faltered; and, overcome with bitter reflections,
he resigned himself a prey to silent sorrow.
This dove is not happy, however, said the Hen Red-
breast to her mate, and no wonder! but let us attend to
the notes of that Lark.--His eyes were turned up
towards the sky, he fluttered his wings, he strained his
throat, and would, to a human eye, have appeared in
raptures of joy; but the Redbreasts perceived that he
was inflamed with rage. And am I to be constantly
confined in this horrid place? sang he. Is my upward
flight to be impeded by bars and wires ? Must I no
longer soar towards that bright luminary, and make the
arch of heaven resound with my singing ? Shall I
.
7
143
cease to be the herald of the morn, or must I be so in
this contracted sphere ? No, ye partners of my cap-
tivity, henceforth sleep on and take ignoble rest; and
may you lose in slumber the remembrance of past
pleasures! O cruel and unjust man! was it not enough
that I proclaimed the approach of day, that I soothed
your sultry hours, that I heightened the delights of
evening, but must I, to gratify your unfeeling wanton-
ness, be secluded from every joy my heart holds dear,
and condemned to a situation I detest ? Take your
delicious dainties, reserve your flowing stream for those
who can relish them, but give me liberty! But why
do I address myself to you who are heedless of my
misery? Here, casting an indignant look around, he
stopped his song.
What think you now, Dicky, said the Redbreast,
have you as high an idea of the happiness of this
place as you conceived at the first view of it? I can-
not help thinking still, replied Dicky, that it is a charm-
ing retreat, and that it must be very comfortable to
have every thing provided for one's use. Well, said
the father, let us move and observe those Linnets who
are building their nest. Accordingly they flew to a
tree, the branches of which formed a part of the shelter
of the Aviary, where they easily heard, without being
themselves observed, all that passed in it.
Come, said one of the Linnets, let us go on with our
work and finish the nest, though it will rather be a
melancholy task to hatch a set of little pensioners. How
different was the case when we could anticipate the
pleasure of rearing a family to all the joys of liberty !
Men, it is true, now, with officious care, supply us
with the necessary materials, and we make a very good
144
nest; but I protest I had much rather be at the trouble
of seeking them.
What pleasure have we experienced in plucking a
bit of wool from a sheep's back, in searching for moss,
in selecting the best feather where numbers were left
to our choice; in stopping to rest on the top of a tree
which commanded an extensive prospect; in joining a
choir of songsters whom we accidentally met!- But
now our days pass with repeated sameness; variety, so
necessary to give a relish to all enjoyment, is wanting.
Instead of the songs of joy we formerly heard from
every spray, our ears are constantly annoyed with the
sound of mournful lamentations, transports of rage, or
murmurs of discontent. Could we reconcile ourselves
to the loss of liberty, it is impossible to be happy here,
unless we could harden our hearts to every sympathetic
feeling
True, said his mate; yet I am resolved to try what
patience, resignation, and employment, will effect; and
hope, as your young ones will never know what liberty
is, they will not pine as we do for it. Saying this she
picked up a straw, her mate followed the example, and
they pursued their work.
At this instant a Hen Goldfinch brought forth her
brood, who were full fledged. Come, said she, my
nestlings, use your wings; I will teach you to fly in all
directions. So saying, the little ones divided: one
flew upwards ; but, emulous to outdo a little Sparrow
which was flying in the air above the Aviary, he hit
himself against the wires of the dome, and would have
fallen to the bottom, but that he'was stopped by one of
the perches.
As soon as he recovered, Why cannot I soar as I see
145
other birds do? said he. · Alas! cried the mother, we
are in a place of confinement; we are shut up, and can
never get out; but here is food in abundance, and every
other necessary.-- Never get out! exclaimed the whole
brood; then adieu to happiness! She attempted to
sooth them, but in vain..
The little Redbreasts réjoiced in their liberty; and
Dicky gave up the desire of living in the Aviary, and
wished to be gone. Stop, said the father, let us first
hear what those Canary birds are saying.
The Canary birds had almost completed their nest.
How fortunate is our lot, said the Hen bird in being
placed in this Aviary! How preferable is it to the small
cage we built in last year! Yes, replied her mate: yet
how comfortable was that in comparison with the still
smaller ones in which we were once separately con-
fined! For my part I have no wish to fly abroad, for
I should neither know what to do, nor where to go;
and it shall be my endeavour to inspire my young ones
with the same sentiments I feel. Iudeed we owe the
highest gratitude to those who make such kind provision
for a set of foreigners, who have no resources but their
bounty; and my best lays shall be devoted to them.
Nothing is wanted to complete the happiness of this
place but to have other kinds of birds excluded. Poor
creatures ! it must be very mortifying to them to be
shut up here, and see others of their kind enjoying full
freedom. No wonder they are perpetually quarreling;
for my part, I sincerely pity them, and am ready to
submit, from a principle of compassion, to the occasional
insults and affronts I meet with.
You now perceive, Dicky, said the Cock Redbreast,
that this place is not as you supposed, the region of
2
н
146
perfect happiness; you may also observe, that it is not
the abode of universal. wretchedness. ;
It is by no mean's desirable to be shut up for life, let
the place of confinement be ever so splendid;. but
should it.at any time be your lot to be caught and im-
prisoned, which may possibly be the case, adopt the
sentiments of thé Linnet and the Cañary birds; employ-
ment will pass away many an hour that will be an
heavy load if spent in grief and anxiety: and reflections
on the blessings and comforts that are still in your-
power, will ]essen your regret for those which are lost.
But come, pick up some of the seeds which are scat-
tered on the outside of the Aviary, for that is no
robbery, and then I will show yoụ another scenea
T
FABULOUS HISTORIES.

DIA
+
II
ny
A
:
cüii
.
KUVENI
NO
IRUL
22
1
STO
.
'
.
.
.
IVO
S.
I
(YAAN
WISS
INT
Viikin
SKA
AU
os
IMRI
.
1
II
ri
I
4
VUCTUUR
ai
VIWANTv
titull
WNIK
HAYAAN
SAVO
I'
-
OhYSKY
N
"
VU?
.
*
WE
.
LH
.
2010
.
No
U
+
..
A
.
.
+
O
.
it
.
.
ILO
Blir
..
!
ANI
12
10
Vw
..
t
23:-
DIY
iniin
.
.
.
CHAP. XVII.
THE OLD ROBINS TAKE LEAVE OF THEIR YOUNG ONES.
As soon as the Redbreasts had regaled themselves with
the superfluities of the feathered captives, they took
their flight to a different part of the garden, in which
was'a menagery.
The menagery consisted of a number of pens, built
round a grass plot; in each was a pan of water, a sort
of box, containing a bed or nest, a trough for food,
and a perch. In every pen was confined a pair of
birds, and every pair was either of a different species,
or distinguished for some beautiful variety either of
form or plumage. The wooden bars which were put
in the front were painted partly green and partly white,
which dazzled the sight at the first glance, and so
H 2
148
O
w
TU
attracted the eyes that there was no seeing what was
behind without going close up to the pens.
The little Redbreasts knew not what sight to expect,
and begged their parent to gratify their curiosity. Well,
follow me, said the father; but I believe you must
alight on the cross bars, or you will not be able to exa-
mine the beauties of these fowls. They did so, and in-
the first pen was a pair of Partridges.
The size of these birds, so greatly exceeding their
own, astonished them all; but notwithstanding this, the
amiable Pecksy was quite interested by their modest
gentle appearance, and said, she thought no one could
ever wish to injure them.
True, Pecksy, replied the father, they have, from the
harmlessness of their disposition, a natural claim to ten-
derness and compassion; and yet I believe there are few
birds who meet with less; for I have observed, that
numbers share the same fate as the Redstart which you
saw die in the grove. I have myself seen many put
to death in that manner.
For a long time I was excessively puzzled to account
for this fatality, and resolved, if possible, to gratify my
curiosity. At length I saw a man kill two Partridges,
and take them away. This very man had shown me
great kindness, in feeding me when I first left my fa-
ther's nest; so I had no apprehension of his doing me
an injury, and resolved to follow him.
When he arrived at his own house, I saw him deliver
the victims of his cruelty to another person, who hung
them up together by the legs, in a place which had a
variety of other dead things in it, the sight of which
shocked me exceedingly, and I could stay no longer; I
therefore flew back to the field in which I had seen
a
149
WC:
IULIE
the murder committed; and, in searching about, found
the nest belonging to the poor creatures, in which were
several young ones, just hatched, who in a short time
were starved to death! How dreadful is the fate of
young animals that lose their parents before they are
able to shift for themselves! and how grateful ought
those to be to whom the blessings of parental instruction
and assistance is continued !
When the next morning arrived, I went again to see
after the dead Partridges, and found them hanging as
before; and this was the case the day after; but the
following morning I saw a boy stripping all their
feathers off. As soon as he had completed this horrid
operation, a woman took them, whom I ventured to
follow, as the window of the place she entered stood
open; where, to my astonishment, I beheld her twist
their wings about; and fasten them to their sides, then
cross their legs upon their breasts, and run something
quite through their bodies. After this she put them
before a place which glowed with a brightness some-
thing resembling the setting sun, which, on the woman's
retiring, I approached, and found intolerably hot; I
therefore made a hasty retreat: but, resolving to know
the end of the Partridges, I kept hovering about the
house; and at last, looking in at a window, I saw them,
smoking hot, set before the man who murdered them,
who was accompanied by several others; all of whom
eyed them with as much delight as I have seen any of
you discover at the sight of the finest worm or insect
that could be procured. In an instant after this the
poor Partridges were divided limb from limb, and each
one of the party present had his share till every bone
was picked.
S
150
There were some other things devoured in the same
manner; from which I learned, that men feed on birds
and other animals, as we do on those little creatures
which are destined for our sustenance, only they do
not eat them alive. Pray, father, said Dicky, do they
eat Redbreasts? I believe not, said he; but I have
reason to suppose they make many a meal on Sparrows,
for I have beheld vast numbers of them killed.
· At this instant their attention was attracted by one
of the Partridges in the pen, which thus addressed his
inate:
Well, my love, as there is no chance for our being
set at liberty, I think we may as well prepare our nest;
that you may deposit your eggs in it. The employ-
ment of hatching and raising your little ones will, at
least, mitigate the wearisomeness of confinement, and I
promise myself many happy days yet: for, as we are so
well fed and attended, I think we may form hopes that
our offspring will also be provided for; and, though
they will not be at liberty to range about as we formerly
did, they will avoid many of those terrors and anxieties
to which our race are frequently exposed, at one season
of the year in particular.
I am very ready to follow your advice, said the Hen
Partridge, and the business will soon be completed, for
the nest is in a manner made for us, it only wants a
little adjusting; I will therefore set about it imme-
diately, and will no longer waste my hours in fruitless
lamentations, since I am convinced that content will
render every situation easy in which we can enjoy the
company of our dearest friends, and obtain the neces-
saries of life. So saying, she retired into the place
provided for the purpose, on which she was now intent,
151
and her mate followed, in order to lend her all the assist-
ance in his power.
: I am very glad, said the Hen Redbreast, that my
young ones have had the opportunity of seeing such an
example as this. You now understand whąt benefit
it is to have a temper of resignation. . More than half
the evils of life, I am well convinced, arise from fret-
fulness and discontent: and would every one, like these
Partridges, try to make the best of their condition, we
should seldom hear complaints; for there are much
fewer real than imaginary misfortunes. But come, let
us take a peep into the next pen.
.. Here they beheld a pair of fine Pheasants, who were
quietly picking up some grain that was scattered for
them; from which might be. inferred, that they had,
like the Partridges, reconciled themselves to their lot.
The little Redbreasts .were much pleased with the
beauty of the cock bird; but as there was no conversa-
tion to be heard here, their parents desired them to fly
on; as pleasures, by which the eye only is amused, are
not deserving of long attention.
They accordingly hopped to the next partition, in
which were confined a pair of penciled Pheasants.
Flapsy was quite delighted with the elegance of their
form and the beauty of their plumage, and could have
stayed the whole day looking at them; but, as these
birds were also tame and contented, nothing more could
be learned here than a confirmation of what the Par-
tridges had taught. Our travellers therefore proceeded
still farther, and found a pair of gold Pheasants. Their
splendid appearance struck the young Redbreasts with
astonishment; and raised such sentiments of respect,
that they were even fearful of approaching birds which
152
they esteemed as so much superior to themselves; but"
their father desiring they would never form a judgment
of birds from a glittering outside, placed his family
where they had an opportunity of observing that this
splendid pair had but little intrinsic merit.
.
They were proud of their fine plumage, and their
chief employment was walking backwards and forwards
to display it; and sometimes they endeavoured to push
through the bars of their prison; that they might get
abroad to show their rich plumage to the world, and
exult over those who were, in this respect, inferior to
them. How hard, said one of them, it is to be shut
up here, where there are no other birds to admire us,
and where we have no little ugly creatures to ridicule.
If such are your desires, said the Hen Redbreast, I
am sure you are happier here than åt liberty; for you
would, by your proud affected airs, excite the contempt
of every bird which has right sentiments, and conse-
quently meet with continual mortification, to which
even the ugliest might contribute.:::.... ..
Pecksy desired to know if all fine birds were proud
and affected ? . By no means, replied the mother, you
observed the other two pair of Pheasants, who were, in
my opinion, nearly equal to these for beauty and ele-
gance. How easy and unassuming were they, and
how much were their charms improved by the graces of
humility! I often wonder that any bird should in-
dulge itself in pride. What have such little creatures
as we to boast of ? The largest species amongst us is
very inferior to many animals we see in the world, and
man is lord over the greatest and strongest even of
these. Nay, man himself has no cause to be proud;
for he is subject to death as well as the meanest of
153
creatures, as I have had opportunities of observing. But
come, the day wears away, let us view the other parts
of this enclosure. :
: On this, the father conducted his family to a variety
of pens, in which were different sorts of foreign birds,
of whom he could give but little account; and would
not suffer his young ones to stand gazing at them long,
lest they should imbibe injurious notions of them :
especially when he heard Dicky cry out, as he left the
pen, I dare say that bird is a very cruel voracious crea-
ture; I make no doubt but he would eat us all one after
the other if he could get at us.
Take care, Dicky, said the father, how you form an
ill opinion of any one on slight grounds. You cannot
possibly tell what the character of this Stork is merely
from his appearance; you are a stranger to his lan-
guage, and cannot see the disposition of his heart. If
you give way to a suspicious temper, your own little
breast will be in a state of constant perturbation; you
will absolutely exclude yourself from the blessings of
society, and will be shunned and despised by birds of
every kind. This Stork, which you thus censure, is far
from deserving your ill opinion. He would do you no
harm, and is remarkable for his filial affection.
I saw him taken prisoner. He was carrying his aged
father on his back, whom he had for a long time fed
and comforted: the weight of this precious burden
impeded his flight; and, being at length weary with it,
he descended to the ground to rest himself, when a
cruel man, who was out on the business of bird-catch-
ing, threw a net over them, and then seized him by the
neck. The poor old Stork, who was before worn out
with age and infirmities, unable to bear this calamity,
fell from his back, and instantly expired. This Stork,
11
154
1.
after casting a look of anguish on his dear parent;
which I shall never forget, turned with fury on his
persecutor, whom he beat with his wings with all the
strength he had; but it was in vain to contend with a
being so much more powerful than himself; and in
spite of all his exertions, he was conveyed to this place.
But come, let us pick up a little refreshment, and
then return to the orchard. Saying this, he alighted on
the ground, as did his mate and her family, where they
met with a plentiful repast in the provisions wbich had
been accidentally scattered by the person whose em:
ployment it was to bring food for the inhabitants of the
Menagery. When they had sufficiently regaled them-
selves, all parties gladly returned to the nest, and every
heart rejoiced in the possession of liberty and peace.
For three successive days nothing remarkable hap-
pened either at Mr. Benson's, or the Redbreasts' nest.
The little family came to the breakfast-table, and
Robin recovered from his accident, though not suffi-
ciently to fly well; but Dicky, Flapsy, and Pecksy,
continued so healthy, and improved so fast, that they
required no farther care; and the third morning after
their tour to the grove, &c. they did not commit the
least error. When they retired from the parlour into
the court-yard, to which Robin accompanied them, the
father expressed great delight that they were at length
able to shift for themselves.
And now a wonderful change took place in his own
heart. That ardent affection for his young, which had
hitherto made him, for their sakes, patient of toil, and
fearless of danger, was on a sudden quenched; but,
from the goodness of his disposition, he still felt a kind
solicitude for their future welfare; and, calling them
around him, he thus addressed them:
TYTUT
, 155
You must be sensible, my dear young ones, that, from
the time you left the egg-shell till the present instant,
both your mother and I have nourished you with the
tenderest love. We have taught you all the arts of life
which are necessary to procure you subsistence, and
preserve you from danger. We have shown you a
variety of characters in the different classes of birds,
and pointed out those which are to be shunned. You
must now shift for yourselves : but, before we part, let
me repeat my admonition, to use industry, avoid con-
tention, cultivate peace, and be contented with your
condition. Let none of your own species excel you in
any amiable quality, for want of your endeavours to
equal the best; and do your duty in every relation of
life, as we have done ours by you. To the gay scenes
of levity and dissipation prefer a calm retirement, for
there is the greatest degree of happiness to be found.
You, Robin, I would advise, on account of your in-
firmity, to attach yourself to the fanıily where you have
been so kindly cherished.
While he thus spake, his mate stood by; who, finding
the same change beginning to take place in her own
breast, she viewed her young ones with tender regret :
and, when he ceased, cried out, Adieu, ye dear objects
of my late cares and solicitude! may ye never more
stand in need of a mother's assistance! Though nature
now dismisses me from the arduous task which I have
long daily performed, I rejoice not, but would gladly
continue my toil, for the sake of its attendant pleasures.
O! delightful sentiments of maternal love, how can I
part with you? Let me, my nestlings, give you a last
embrace. Then, spreading her wings, she folded them
successively to her bosom, and instantly recovered her
tranquillity.
TOT
156
-
Each young one expressed his grateful thanks to both
father and mother, and with these acknowledgments
filial affection expired in their breasts ; instead of which,
a respectful friendship succeeded. Thus was that tender
tie dissolved which had hitherto bound this little family
together; for the parents had performed their duty, and
the young ones had no further need of their parental
care.
The old Redbreasts, having now only themselves to
provide for, resolved to be no longer burdensome to
their bevefactors; and, after pouring forth their grati-
tude in the most lively strains, they took their flight
together, resolving never to separate. Every care now
vanished, and their little hearts felt no sentiments but
those of cheerfulness and joy. They ranged the fields
and gardens, sipped at the coolest springs, and indulged
themselves in the pleasures of society, joining their
cheerful notes with those of other gay choristers, which
animate and heighten the delightful scenes of rural life.
The first morning that the old Redbreasts were miss-
ing from Mrs. Benson's breakfast-table, Frederick and
his sister were greatly alarmed for their safety; but their
mama said she was of opinion that they had left their
nestlings; as it was the nature of animals in general to
dismiss their young as soon as they were able to provide
for themselves. That is very strange, replied Miss
Harriet: I wonder what would become of my brother
and me, were you and papa to serve us so!
And is a boy of six, or a girl of eleven years old,
capable of shifting for themselves ? said her mama.
No, my dear child, you have need of a much longer
continuance of your parent's care than birds and other
animals: and therefore God has ordained that parental
affection, when once awakened, should always remain in
157
the human breast, unless extinguished by the undutiful
behaviour of a child.
:. And shall we see the old Redbreasts no more? cried,
Frederick. I do not know that you will, replied Mrs.
Benson, though it is not unlikely that they may visit us
again in the winter; but let not their absence grieve you,
my love, for I dare say they are safe and happy.
At that instant the young ones arrived, and met with
a very joyful reception. The amusement they afforded
to Master Benson reconciled him to the loss of their
parents; but Harriet declared she could not help being
sorry that they were gone....I shall, for the future,
mama, said she, take great notice of animals; for I
have had much entertainment in observing the ways of
these Robins. I highly approve your resolution, my.
dear, said Mrs. Benson, and hope the occasional in- -
struction I have at different times given you, has fur-
nished you with general ideas respecting the proper
treatment of animals. I will now inform you, upon
what principles the rules of conduct I prescribe to my-
self, on this subject, are founded.
I consider that the same almighty and good God, who
créated mankind, made all other living creatures like-
wise; and appointed them their different ranks in the
creation, that they might form together a community,
receiving and conferring reciprocal benefits.
There is no doubt that the Almighty designed all
beings for happiness, proportionable to the faculties he
has endued them with ; and whoever wantonly destroys
that happiness, acts contrary to the will of his Maker.
The world we live in seems to have been principally
designed for the use and comfort of mankind, who, by
the divine appointment, have dominion over the inferior
creatures; in the exercise of which it is certainly their
ON
158
.
duty to imitate the supreme Lord of the Universe, by
being merciful to the utmost of their power. They
are endued with reason, which enables them to discover
the different natures of brutes, the faculties they possess,
and how they may be made serviceable in the world;
and as beasts cannot apply these faculties to their own
use in so extensive a way, and numbers of them being
unable to provide for their own sustenance, are indebt-
ed to men for many of the necessaries of life, men have
an undoubted right to their labour in return.
: Several other kinds of animals, which are sustained
at the expense of mankind, cannot labour for them;
from such they have a natural claim to whatever they
can supply towards the food and raiment of their bene-
factors; and therefore, when we take the wool and
milk of the flocks and herds, we take no more than our
due, and what they can very well spare: as they seem
to have an overabundance given them, that they may
be able to return their obligations to us. :.
Some creatures have nothing to give us but their own
bodies: these have been expressly destined by the
Supreme Governor as food for mankind, and he has
appointed an extraordinary increase of them for this
very purpose ; such an increase as would be very inju-
rious to us if all were suffered to live. These we have
an undoubted right to kill; but should make their short
lives as comfortable as possible.': ...
Other creatures seein to be of no particular use to
mankind, but as they serve to furnish our minds with
contemplations on the wisdom, power, and goodness of
God, and to exhilarate our spirits by their cheerfulness.
They should not be wantonly killed, nor treated with
the least degree of cruelty, but should be at full liberty
to enjoy the blessings assigned them; unless they
:
159
abound to such a degree as to become injurious, by de.
vouring the food which is designed for man, or for animals
more beneficial to him, whom it is his duty to protect.
Some animals, such as wild beasts, serpents, &c. are
in their natures ferocious, noxious, or venomous, and
capable of injuring the health, or even of destroying
the lives of men, and other creatures of a higher rank
than themselves: these, if they leave the secret abodes
which are allotted them, and become offensive, certainly
may with justice be killed.
In a word, my dear, we should endeavour to regulate
our regards according to the utility and necessities of
every living creature with which we are any ways con-
nected; and consequently should prefer the happiness
of mankind to that of any animal whatever. Next to.
these (who, being partakers of the same nature with
ourselves, are more properly our fellow creatures) we
should consider our cattle and domestic animals, and
take care to supply every creature that is dependent on
us with proper food, and keep it in its proper place:
after their wants are supplied, we should extend our
benevolence and compassion, as far as possible to the
inferior ranks of beings; and, if nothing farther is in
our power, we should at least refrain from exercising
cruelties on them. For my own part I never willingly
put to death, or cause to be put to death, any creature,
but when there is a real necessity for it; and have my
food dressed in a plain manner, that no more lives may
be sacrificed for me than nature requires for my subsist-
ence in that way which God has allotted me. But I fear
I have tired you with my long lecture, so will now
dismiss you.
While Mrs. Benson was giving these instructions to
her daughter, Frederick diverted himself with the young
160
Redbreasts, who, having no kind parents now to ad-
monish them, made a longer visit than usual: so that
Mrs. Benson would have been obliged to drive them
away, had not Pecksy, on seeing her înove from her
seat, recollected that she and her brother and sister had
been guilty of an impropriety; she therefore reminded
them that they should no longer intrude, and led the
way out at the window; the others followed her, and
Mrs. Benson gave permission to her children to take
their morning's walk before they began their lessons.
CONCLUSION.
As the old Robins, who were the hero and heroine of
my tale, are made happy, it is time for me to put an
end to it: but my young readers will doubtless wish to
know the sequel of the history; I shall therefore inform
them of it in as few words as possible.
Miss Harriet followed her mama's precepts and
examples, and grew up a general benefactress to all
people, and all creatures, with whom she was any ways
connected.
Frederick was educated upon the same plan, and was
never known to be cruel to animals, or to treat them
with an improper degree of fondness: he was also re-
markable for his benevolence, so as to deserve and ob-
tain the character of a good man.
Miss Lucy Jenkins was quite reformed by Mrs.
Benson's lecture, and her friend's example; but her
brother continued his practice of exercising barbarities
on a variety of unfortunate animals, till he went to
school; where, having no opportunity of doing so, he
gratified his malignant disposition on his schoolfellows,
161
14
and made it his diversion to pull their hair, and pinch
and tease the younger boys; and, by the time he be-
came a man, had so hardened his heart, that no kind
of distress affected him, nor did he care for any person
but himself; consequently he was despised by all with
whom he had any intercourse. In this manner he
lived for some years: at length as he was inhumanly
beating and spurring a fine horse, merely because it did
not go a faster pace than it was able to do, the poor
creature, in its efforts to evade his blows, threw his bar-
barous rider, who was killed on the spot.
Farmer Wilson's prosperity increased with every
succeeding year; and he acquired a plentiful fortune,
with which he gave portions to each of his children,
as opportunities offered for settling them in the world:
and he and his wife lived to a good old age, beloved
and respected by all who knew them.
Mrs. Addis lost her Parrot by the disorder with
which it was attacked while Mrs. Benson was visiting
at the house; and before she had recovered the shock
of this misfortune, as she called it, her grief was re-
pewed by the death of an old Lapdog. About a year
afterwards her Monkey escaped to the top of the
house, from whence he fell and broke his neck. The
favourite Cat went mad, and was obliged to be killed.
In short, by a series of calamities, all her dear darlings
were successively destroyed. She supplied their places
with new favourites, which gave her a great deal of
fatigue and trouble.
In the meanwhile her children grew up; and, having
experienced no tenderness from her, they scarcely knew
they had a mama; nor did those who had the care of
their education inculcate, that her want of affection did
mot cancel their duty; they therefore treated her with
ATA
162
the utmost neglect, and she had no friend left. In her
old age, when she was no longer capable of amusing
herself with Cats, Dogs, Parrots, and Monkeys, she be-
came sensible of her errors, and wished for the comforts
which other parents had enjoyed; but it was now too
· late, and she ended her days in sorrow and regret.
This unfortunate lady had tenderness enough in her
disposition for all the purposes of humanity; and, had
she placed it on proper objects, agreeably to Mrs. Ben-
son's rule, she might have been, like her, a good wife,
mother, friend, and mistress, consequently respectable
and happy. But, when a child, Mrs. Addis was (under
an idea of making her tender-hearted) permitted to
lavish immoderate fondness on animals, the care of
which engrossed her whole attention, and greatly inter-
rupted her education; so that, instead of studying nåtu-
ral history, apd other useful things, her time was taken
up with pampering and attending upon animals, which
she considered as the most important business in life.
Her children fell into faults of a different nature.
Miss Addis, being, as I observed in a former part of
this history, leſt to the care of servants, grew up with
very contracted notions. Amongst other prejudices,
she imbibed that of being afraid of Spiders, Frogs,
and other harmless things; and, having been bitten by
the Monkey, and terrified by the Cat when it went
mad, she extended her fears to every kind of creature,
and could not take a walk in the fields, or even in the
street, without a thousand apprehensions. And at last
her constitution, which, from bad nursing had become
very delicate, was still more weakened by her continual
apprehensions; and a Rat happening to run across the
path, as she was walking, she fell into fits, which af-
flicted her at intervals during the remainder of her life.

11
11
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
ILMU
11
11
NI
11
1
11
11
3 9015 03960 0633
HISTORICAL
manten
Collection

|
事​。
..
.
.
重
​。
.
.
是
​.
.
是
​.
車
​-
.
是
​.
.
」
。
」
.
科士
​生​。在重要
​看看
​.
香​。
13章​,
.
-
..
。
事
​1.
。
|
..
-
重
​-
|
..
.
一下​,
書
​重量
​「
普
​**
-
」
「
可
​-
.
一
​重生
​七
​“.
-
*
-
*
NT
地
​、
*.
“
重
​,
,
《
九
​事
​;
连长
​中
​|
董事
​青春
​我
​,
|
重
​:
一本
​:
.
A
,
重量
​使徒
​單
​重量
​.
,
4重
​是​,
i
*
.
1
.
。
是
​「
iT
the
.
還是
​,
"
中
​:
-
"A
:
::
y
“
A
。
事
​,
. F.
事
​,
,
,
,
,
中有
​*
,
事
​*,
在工作中​,
“.
*
.
|
拿
​六
​,
車
​事件
​4
中​,有一書
​董事
​...
.
11 -
事
​中
​.
年​。
.
.
.
”
..
,
多
​.
;;
| 事
​.
.
了
​”
.
事
​身上​,
:
*
*
「1*
:
中
​事 ​重量非非
​.
:
.
是身車
​-
重量​/
賽事
​.
1
身出
​::
。
事
​、
,
重量
​鲁
​.
,
臺
​|i
.
-
全新
​::
中国南特​:
|
|
1
.
「
,更是
​重要事
​十
​事
​|
行业​,
量
​:
"
·
#三星N71-
,
:
'.
|
,
:
:
::
,
::
i
txt
|重重
​iii
.
1
書畫
​::
|
“今
​::
「
臺
​#表
​,
.
* .
*
量
​*
.
*
.
重
​"
了​,
「毒重重
​-
-
書
​事
​.
,
美學事
​1
:
軍事員​」。
生​。
重量
​