WILD-FOWL. 257 



handed down through so many centuries, and because 

 we have looked into many books in vain for a plain 

 account of its origin, and a modern description of the 

 cirrhiped devoid of scientific technicalities. 



With this apology, then, to the reader, we return to the 

 birds. 



The following dialogue between Malvolio and the 

 Clown, in Tivelfth Night, concerning wild-fowl, has refer- 

 ence to the theory of Pythagoras on the subject of the 

 transmigration of souls, and is quite as applicable to birds 

 in general as to wild-fowl in particular : 



" Clo. What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning 

 wild-fowl ? 



Mai. That the soul of our grandam might haply 

 inhabit a bird. 



Clo. What thinkest thou of his opinion ? 



Mai. I think nobly of the soul, and no way approve 

 his opinion. 



Clo. Fare thee well : remain thou still in darkness : thou 

 shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow 

 of thy wits ; and fear to kill a woodcock, lest thou dis- 

 possess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well."- 

 Twelfth Night, Act iv. Sc. 2* 



* The doctrine of Pythagoras is again alluded to by Gratiano, who says : 

 " Thou almost mak'st me waver in my faith, 

 To hold opinion with Pythagoras, 

 That souls of animals infuse themselves 



Into the trunks of men." 



Merchant of Venice, Act iv. Sc. i. 



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