CHOUGHS LANGUAGE. 117 



Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight 

 Topple down headlong." 



King Lear, Act iv. Sc. 6. 



The chough is easily tamed, and a prettier sight than 

 three or four of these birds, with their bright red legs and 

 bills, strutting about on a well-mown lawn, can scarcely be 

 conceived. 



It is to be regretted that the species is not more 

 plentiful and more generally domesticated. 



Instances, we believe, are on record of choughs being 

 taught to speak, but Shakespeare appears to have 

 entertained no great opinion of their talking powers. He 

 speaks of 



" Chough's language, gabble enough, and good enough." 

 All's Well that Ends Well, Act iv. Sc. 1. 



And probably there was a good deal more chattering 

 than talking, as we understand the term. 



" There be . ... 



. . . lords that can prate 

 As amply and unnecessarily 

 As this Gonzalo ; I myself could make 

 A chough of as deep chat." 



Tempest, Act ii. Sc. 1. 



In Henry TV., in the scene where Falstaff, with the 



