12 
THE BROWN THRUSHES : 
needed, and of these, jealousy and want of faith 
in each other’s integrity are most terribly iatal. 
I trust you have thoroughly examined your 
hearts, and weighed carefully the responsibili- 
ties you are about to incur ; and above all 
things, I hope you have studied the character 
and disposition of each other, and, while admir- 
ing the more lovable traits apparent, have 
not been blind to the imperfections which all 
mortals must in a measure possess.” 
The young couple made no answer to this 
address, but the glance they gave each other 
spoke volumes for the strength of their attach- 
ment. The Hermit continued, — 
Brown Thrush, do you take this young 
female to be your lawfully wedded mate ; to 
provide for her wants, and defend her from 
the attacks of the enemies of our race ; do you 
promise to assist her in the labors of nest- 
building, and the arduous duties of incubation ; 
do you promise to provide her and her children 
with an abundance of insect food, to capture 
for them the larvae of butterflies and moths, 
and gather for her and them the luscious 
