124 THE STUDY OF ANIMAL LIFE CHAP, vi 



their parenthood but perhaps we have said enough to 

 serve as an introduction to a subject which will reward 

 further study. Many of the deepest problems of biology 

 -the origin and evolution of sex, the relation of repro- 

 duction to the individual and to the species should be 

 considered by those who feel themselves naturally in- 

 clined to such inquiries ; moreover, in connection with 

 our own lives, it is profitable to investigate among 

 animals the different grades of the love of mates and of 

 offspring, and to inquire into the great role that ' love ' 

 in many forms has played in evolution. First, however, 

 we should watch the ways of animals and seek after 

 some sympathy w r ith them, that we may respect their 

 love, and salute them not with stone or bullet, but with 

 gladdened eyes. 



Ruskin's translation of what Socrates said in regard 

 to the halcyon is suggestive of the mood in which we 

 should consider these things. 



Chcerophon. "And is that indeed the halcyon's cry? I never 

 heard it yet ; and in truth it is very pitiful. How large is the 

 bird, Socrates ? " 



Socrates. " Not great ; but it has received great honour from 

 the gods, because of its lovingness ; for while it is making its nest, 

 all the world has the happy days which we call halcyonidse, ex- 

 celling all others in their calmness, though in the midst of storm. 



" We being altogether mortal and mean, and neither able to see 

 clearly great things nor small, and for the most part being unable 

 to help ourselves even in our own calamities, what can we have to 

 say about the powers of the immortals, either over halcyons or 

 nightingales ? But the fame of fable, such as our fathers gave it 

 to us, this to my children, O thou bird singing of sorrow, I will 

 deliver concerning thy hymns ; and I myself will sing often of 

 this religious and human love of thine, and of the honour thou hast 

 for it from the gods." 



Chcerophon. " It is rightly due indeed, O Socrates, for there is 

 a twofold comfort in this, both for men and women, in their rela- 

 tions with each other." 



Socrates. " Shall we not then salute the halcyon, and so go 

 back to the city by the sands, for it is time ? ' 



