110 BRITISH BIRDS. 



to whom he hoped it would afford much amusement. 

 As he held it on his finger, he thus addressed it : — 

 " Bijou, you are now in the presence of persons of great 

 sagacity and honour; take care, therefore, that you do 

 not disappoint the expectations they have formed. You 

 have earned laurels ; beware of their withering : in a 

 word, conduct yourself as the bijou (the jewel) of canary- 

 birds, as you certainly are." Meanwhile the bird ap- 

 peared to listen, sloping its head to the ear of its owner, 

 and nodding twice as soon as he had finished. 



Pulling off his hat to the bird, the Prussian said : — 

 " Now, let us see if you are a canary of honour : give 

 us a tune." The canary-bird immediately sang, but only 

 to have the rebuke, " Pshaw ! that 's too harsh : 'tis 

 the note of a raven that is hoarse ! " The canary whist- 

 led forthwith most delightfully. " Faster," said the 

 Prussian ; " slower — very well ! But what are this 

 little foot and head about ? No wonder you are out, 

 Mr. Bijou, when you forget your time : — there, that 's 

 a jewel ! Bravo, bravo ! " he added, as the little crea- 

 ture did promptly all that it was required. The party 

 expressed their surprise and admiration at its docility ; 

 and the musicians declared it was a greater master of 

 their art than any of their band. " And do you not 

 show your sense of this civility, sir?" said the Prussian 



