THE KING-FISHER. 



239 



amuse the imagination in this dream oflife is 

 wisdom ; and nothing is useless that, by fur- 

 nishing mental employment, keeps us for a 

 while in oblivion of those stronger appetites 

 that lead to evil. But every rank and state 

 of mankind may find something to imitate in 

 those delightful songsters, and we may not 

 only employ the time, but mend our lives, by 

 the contemplation. From their courage in 

 defence of their young, and their assiduity in 



incubation, the coward may learn to be 

 brave, and the rash to be patient. The in- 

 violable attachment of some to their compan- 

 ions may give lessons of fidelity ; and the 

 connubial tenderness of others be a monitor to 

 the incontinent. Even those (hat are tyrants 

 by nature never spread capricious destruction; 

 and, unlike man, never inflict a pain hut 

 when urged by necessity. 





