THE BULLFINCH. 131 



amid the scenes of nature. Perhaps, too, the 

 gentle trilling of her little captive, pouring out 

 his songs of praise to his mistress, fell on her 

 heart as in sweet accordance with her own aspi- 

 rations of grateful thanksgiving for all the mercies 

 of her lengthened way. With this lady he lived 

 four peaceful years. The period passed under her 

 roof was chiefly characterised by that quietude 

 and tranquil repose which is so well suited to de- 

 clining years, and exhibited little variety from 

 day to day. His aged mistress and himself 

 passed hours in each other's society, and their 

 mutual fondness was displayed in various ways. 

 She reserved for her little favourite all the apple- 

 pips and crumbs of cake, which were considered 

 by him as the greatest dainties ; and he appeared 

 to do every thing in his power to cheer her soli- 

 tude, by piping the notes of his pretty song, 

 which was a very plaintive air ; and by all those 

 little endearments by which he so well knew how 

 to express his regard. The door of his cage was 

 usually left open ; and he would fly out, perch 

 on the arm of his mistress's chair, and take food 

 from her mouth. To some of her visitors he 

 showed a decided preference, which he testified 

 by sitting on the shoulder or head of the chosen 

 friend, and singing the few notes he remembered 

 of his little song. To others who approached 



