216 THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
them, save when they are amused by their melodious 
notes ! How few suppose them to possess feeling and 
sensibility ; yet the rmmerous examples that are re- 
lated of them prove that, where affection and kind- 
ness is lavished on them, their gratitude and love 
are unbounded. I have read of a bullfinch belonging 
to a lady being subject to frightful dreams, which 
occasioned it to fall off its perch, and beat itself 
against the wires of its cage; but no sooner did it 
hear the kind voice of its affectionate mistress, than 
(although in the dark,) it became instantly tranquil, 
reascended its perch, and quietly settled itself to 
sleep again. 
This little creature was very fond of chickweed, 
and as soon as it perceived any person bringing it to 
him, notwithstanding every care was taken to prevent 
his finding it easily, he would shew his joy by his 
actions and cries. 
May we not consider the bullfinch an emblem of 
love and lasting affection ? What could be a more 
appropriate present from a lover to his mistress, than 
one of these affectionate birds ? and to enhance his 
value, he may be taught any particular tune; to 
