454 
KINGFISHER. 
seas of Sicily, and that it sat only a few days in the 
depth of winter, during which time the mariner 
might sail in perfect security, and therefore they 
were called halcyon days. 
The poets placed this bird in a floating nest, and 
gave it power over the winds and waves during the 
time of its incubation. 
Alcyone, comprest. 
Seven days sits brooding in her watery nest, 
A wintry queen; her sire at length is kind. 
Calms every storm, and hushes every wind, 
Dryden’s Ovid. 
