LITERARY AJSD DOMESTIC LITE. 389 



prestige of greatness laid aside, and the very strength of his hand 

 softened, that he might gently caress the infant on his knee, and play 

 with the little ones at his feet. And many a game was played with 

 fun and frolic; stories were told, barley-sugar was eaten, and feasts 

 of various kinds given. "A party in grandpapa's room" was 

 ever hailed with delight. There was to be seen a tempting display 

 of figs, raisins, cakes, and other good things, all laid out on a table 

 set and covered by himself; while he, acting on the occasion as 

 waiter, was ordered about in the most unceremonious fashion. After 

 a while, when childhood was passing away from the frolics of the 

 nursery, and venturing to explore the mysteries of life, he would 

 speak to his little friends as companions, and passing from gay to 

 grave, led their young spirits on, and bound their hearts to his. 



In speaking of his kindness to human pets, I may mention a very 

 delightful instance of his love to the inferior animals. I remember 

 a hapless sparrow being found lying on the door-steps scarcely 

 fledged, and quite unable to do for itself. It was brought into the 

 house, and from that moment became a protege of my father's. It 

 found a lodging in his room, and ere long was perfectly domestica- 

 ted, leading a life of uninterrupted peace and prosperity for nearly 

 eleven years. It seemed quite of opinion that it was the most im- 

 portant occupant of the apartment, and would peck and chirp where 

 it liked, not unfrequently nestling in the folds of its patron's waist- 

 coat, attracted by the warmth it found there. Then with bolder 

 stroke of familiarity, it would hop upon his shoulder, and picking 

 off some straggling hair from the long locks hanging about his neck, 

 would jump away to its cage, and depositing the treasure with an 

 air of triumph, return to fresh conquest, quite certain of welcome. 

 The creature seemed positively influenced by constant association 

 with its master. It grew in stature, and began to assume a noble 

 and defiant look. It was alleged, in fact, that he was gradually be- 

 coming an eagle. 



Of his dogs, their name was Legion. I remember Bronte, Rover, 

 Fang, Paris, Charlie, Fido, Tip, and Grog, besides outsiders with- 

 out number. 



Bronte comes first on the list. He came, I think, into the family 

 in the year 1826, a soft, shapeless mass of puppyhood, and grew up 

 a beautiful Newfoundland dog. " Purple- black was he all over, 

 except the star on his breast, as the raven's wing. Strength and 



