PUGNACITY OF THE WREN. 143 



There is not much variety or tone in it, but the notes 

 at once attract attention, and would lead any one un- 

 acquainted with them to inquire the author's name. 



Portia evidently had no high opinion of the wren's song, 

 when she said, 



" The crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark, 

 When neither is attended ; and, I think, 

 The nightingale, if she should sing by day, 

 When every goose is cackling, would be thought 

 No better a musician than the wren." 



Merchant of Venice, Act v. Sc. i . 



Lady Macduff was reminded of the wren when bewail- 

 ing the flight of her husband. 



"Lady M. His flight was madness. 

 Ross. You know not 



Whether it was his wisdom or his fear. 

 Lady M. Wisdom ! to leave his wife, to leave his 



babes, 



His mansion, and his titles, in a place 

 From whence himself does fly ? He loves us not ; 

 He wants the natural touch : for the poor wren, 

 The most diminutive of birds, will fight, 

 Her young ones in her nest, against the owl." 



Macbeth, Act iv. Sc. 2. 



There are three statements here which are likely to be 



