Doves and Pigeons 
little tiny kickshaws”’ for the entertainment 
of Falstaff, and on the other hand, we note 
that old Gobbo, when he wanted Bassanio 
to take his son into service, presents to 
that gentleman “a dish of doves.” ? 
The Dove is typically pure white, and 
stands as the recognised emblem of gentle- 
ness, purity and innocence. Yet in direst 
emergencies this timid bird may show fight 
in defence of its young. We are told that 
The smallest worm will turn being trodden on, 
And doves will peck in safeguard of their brood.* 
It was believed that when “ frighted out 
of fear” the dove would peck the ostrich,! 
and it had probably been actually observed 
in hawking experience, that as 
Cowards fight when they can fly no further 
So doves do peck the falcon’s piercing talons.® 
The TuRTLE-DoveE, long the accepted 
symbol of conjugal affection and loving 
12 Henry IV.v.i. 25. *Merchant of Venice, u. ii. 123. 
23 enry Wi. st. 0. 17. 
4 Antony and Cleopatra, it. xii. 196. 
53 Henry VI. 1. iv. 40. 
OI 
