298 

 [Stork.] 



SHAKESPEARE'S 



[STOR] 



[The word is not actually used by Shakespeare, but the 

 account of the bird is interesting.] 



A STORK is a water-fowl, and purgeth herself with her 

 own bill ; for when she feeleth herself grieved with much 

 meat, she taketh sea-water in her bill, and putteth it in at 

 her hinder hole, and so into her guts. Also this bird 

 eateth eggs of adders and serpents, and beareth them for 

 best meat to her birds. And they leave not lightly their 

 first nest, except they be compelled. But ere they go into 

 other countries against winter, they fill their nests with 



earth, and draw the twigs and thorns of their nests with 

 fen, that no tempest of wind should break it nor throw it 

 down in winter. While the female liveth the male keepeth 

 truly to her in nest. And if the male "espy in any wise, 

 that the female hath broke spousehead, she shall no more 

 dwell with him, but he beateth and striketh her with his 

 bill, and slayeth her if he may. Storks fly over the sea 

 in flocks, and in their passing crows fly with them, and 



