XXXviii LIFE OF WILSON. 



eagerness, and looked in my face with such an eye of supplica- 

 ting terror, as perfectly overcame me. I immediately untied it, 

 and restored it to life and liberty. The agonies of a prisoner at 

 the stake, while the fire and instruments of torment are prepa- 

 ring, could not be more severe than the sufferings of that poor 

 mouse; and, insignificant as the object was, I felt at that mo- 

 ment the sweet sensations that mercy leaves on the mind when 

 she triumphs over cruelty. 



"My dear friend, you see I take the liberty of an old ac- 

 quaintance with you, in thus trifling with your time. You have 

 already raised me out of the slough of despond, by the hopes of 

 your agreeable conversation, and that of your amiable pupil. 

 Nobody, I am sure, rejoices more in her acquisition of the beau- 

 tiful accomplishment of drawing than myself. I hope she will 

 persevere. I am persuaded that any pains you bestow on her 

 will be rewarded beyond your expectations. Besides, it will be 

 a new link in that chain of friendship and consanguinity by 

 which you are already united; though I fear it will be a power- 

 ful addition to that attraction which was fully sufficient before, 

 to make even a virtuoso quit his owls and opossums, and think 

 of something else." 



TO MR. WM. BARTRAM. 



May 21, 1804. 



" I send you a few more imitations of birds for your opinion, 

 which I value beyond that of any body else, though I am seri- 

 ously apprehensive that I am troublesome. These are the last 

 I shall draw for some time, as the employment consumes every 

 leisure moment, leaving nothing for friendship, or those rural 

 recreations which I so much delight in. Even poetry, whose 

 heavenly enthusiasm I used to glory in, can hardly ever find 

 me at home, so much has this bewitching amusement engrossed 

 all my senses. 



" Please to send me the names of the birds. I wish to draw 

 a small flower, in order to represent the Humming-bird in the 

 act of feeding: will you be so good as to send me one suitable, 



