Some Bird Myths. 169 



which had hidden itself away among the feathers of 

 its mighty rival, left its retreat and soared a few feet 

 further into the air, and by this trick obtained the 

 royal title. 



It is doubtful, however, whether the common brown 

 bird is meant, or the gold-crest the smallest of 

 British, and, indeed, of European birds, which wears 

 a visible symbol of sovereignty a dash of gold upon 

 its tiny head. 



A curious custom once prevailed in parts of France 

 and in several places in the British islands, and is said 

 to be not yet entirely extinct, by which wrens were 

 hunted every year on Christmas Day, and, on the day 

 following, the lifeless bodies of the little birds were 

 carried through the streets in solemn procession by 

 boys, who went from house to house asking for money 

 and singing : 



' The wren, the wren, the king of all birds, 

 St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze ; 

 We hunted him up, we hunted him down, 

 We hunted him all about the town. 

 Although he is little, his family great, 

 I pray you, good people, give us a treat ' 



with other verses varying in number and substance 

 in different districts. It is said in explanation of this 

 custom that a wren flying in the face of St. Stephen's 

 gaoler awoke him as the protomartyr was in the act of 

 escaping. 



The wren probably gets no credit from the Catholic 



