52 THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
open, I was agreeably surprised by seeing him fly in, 
and perch upon the cage that contained his com- 
panion. It is impossible to describe the delight the 
little creature inside seemed to evince at the return 
of his companion, who, on my opening the door, 
very quietly hopped in, appearing quite at home. 
Several times since, I have left the door open, taking 
care to have the windows closed, but he has never 
since attempted to regain his liberty. The attach- 
ment of this bird is the more extraordinary, as they 
are both cocks/' 
It has forcibly recalled to my remembrance my 
favourite lines from Cowper, which are almost appro- 
priate to the above circumstance ; I hope, therefore, 
they will be acceptable to the reader, although they 
are most likely familiar to many persons. 
THE GOLDFINCHES. 
The green-house is my summer seat; 
My shrubs, displaced from that retreat, 
Enjoyed the open air ; 
Two goldfinches, whose sprightly song 
Had been their mutual solace long, 
Liv'd happy prisoners there. 
