CHAPTER I. 



THE EAGLE AND THE LARGER BIRDS OF PREY. 



A T the head of the diurnal birds of prey, most authors 

 have agreed in placing the Eagles. Their large size, 

 powerful flight, and great muscular strength, give them a 

 superiority which is universally admitted. In reviewing, 

 therefore, the birds of which Shakespeare has made men- 

 tion, no apology seems to be necessary for commencing 

 with the genus Aquila. 



Throughout the works of our great dramatist, frequent 

 allusions may be found to an eagle, but the word " eagle " 

 is almost always employed in a generic sense, and in a 

 few instances only can we infer, from the context, that a 

 particular species is indicated. Indeed, it is not im- 

 probable that in the poet's opinion only one species of 

 eagle existed. Be this as it may, the introduction of an 

 eagle and his attributes, by way of simile or metaphor, 

 has been accomplished by Shakespeare with much beauty 

 and effect. Considered as the emblem of majesty, the 



