28 BILLS OF BIRDS 



down its head into the water, like a bucket into a 

 well, the point of the bill does not stick in the mud, 

 but lies flat on it, upside down. 



In conclusion, let us not fail to note, whatever 

 be our political creed, that, while all the birds pursue 

 their respective industries, there sit apart, in pride 

 of place, some whose bills are not tools wherewith 

 to work, but weapons wherewith to slay. And 

 these take tribute of the rest, not with their consent, 

 but of right. 



