152 BEAUTIFUL BIRDS 
We may not know in what way. That only shows 
how ignorant we are, It is best not to laugh at other 
people. If we want to laugh at any one, we can 
always laugh at ourselves. 
Now, this poor Hermit Humming-bird was un- 
happy because he alone had no colours, and because 
all the other Humming-birds laughed at him. He 
complained of it to the sun, who was his father, and 
explained how it had happened. “It is unfortunate,” 
said the sun; “but since I was unable to shine upon 
you, when you awoke, I cannot give you my own 
livery to wear now. But do not be unhappy. The 
world is full of brightness and beauty, and if you go 
about asking for some of it from those who have it, 
none of them will refuse you, when they know that 
you are one of my children. They will grant it you 
for the love of me, for I am loved of all that live 
upon the earth. In this way, though I cannot clothe you 
directly from myself, it will come to the same thing 
in the end, for it is through me that all things have 
their beauty, so: that in having what was theirs you 
will have what is mine, and still you will be a living 
sunbeam. Only do not ask any of your brother 
Humming-birds to give you anything, because then 
you will not be under an obligation to them.” (Your 
mother will explain to you what being under an obli- 
gation is, and how very many you are under to fer.) 
