THE KING-FISHER. 285 



their young, and their assiduity in incubation, the cow- 

 ard may learn to be brave, and the rash to be patient. 

 The inviolable attachment of some, to their compa- 

 nions, may give lessons of fidelity ; and the connu- 

 bial tenderness of others be a monitor to those who are 

 deficient in love and esteem. Even those that are ty- 

 rants by nature never spread capricious destruction, 

 and, unlike man, never inflict pain but from necessity, 

 and not from choice. 



