xliv 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
little heart showed it to be in the most extreme agonies of fear. 1 
liad intended to kill it, in order to fix it in the claws of a stuffed 
owl, but happening to spill a few drops of water near where it was 
tied, it lapped it up with such eagerness, and looked in my face 
with such an eye of supplicating terror, as perfectly overcame me. 
I immediately untied it, and restored it to life and liberty. The 
agonies of a prisoner at the stake, while the fire and instruments 
of torment are preparing, could not be more severe than the suffer- 
ings of that poor mouse ; and, insignificant as the object was, I felt 
at that moment the sweet sensations that mercy leaves on the mind 
when she triumphs over cruelty. 
“ My dear friend, you see I take the liberty of an old acquaint- 
ance with you, in thus trifling with your time. You have already 
raised me out of the slough of despond, by the hopes of your agree- 
able conversation, and that of your amiable pupil. Nobody, I am 
sure, rejoices more in her acquisition of the beautiful accomplish- 
ment of drawing than myself. I hope she will persevere. I am 
persuaded that any pains you bestow on her will be rewarded be- 
yond your expectations. Besides, it will be a new link in that 
chain of friendship and consanguinity by which you are already 
united ; though I fear it will be a powerful addition to that attrac- 
tion which was fully sufficient before, to make even a virtuoso quit 
his owls and opossums, and think of something else,” 
To Mr. WM. BARTRAM. 
May 21, 1804. 
“ I send you a few more imitations of birds for your opinion, 
which I value beyond that of any body else, though I am seriously 
apprehensive that I am troublesome. These are the last I shall 
draw for some time, as the employment consumes every leisure 
moment, leaving nothing for friendship, or those rural recreations 
