568 
BIRD-LIFE. 
would be sufficient to try the temper of the mildest 
individual. Thus nothing remains for the Owl but to 
evade its disturbers, and hide itself as long as possible; 
but woe betide it if discovered, for then the friends of 
daylight treat it to a “ charivari” without equal. 
The first to arrive on the scene is the ubiquitous 
Crow, conducted thither by some inquisitive warbler who 
has discovered the enemy’s retreat. The Crow thoroughly 
understands what the little fellow means, and hastens to 
convince itself of the truth of the information. Having 
satisfied itself, it retires noiselessly, but only to carry the 
news to its relatives. Now they flock in from all sides to 
take part in the fight, with an eagerness worthy of the 
boldest man; greeting one another with hoarse and 
scornful croaks, the sooty tribe hasten as fast as they can 
to the scene of action. The mockers surround the poor 
old “ Grand Duke,” first at a respectful distance, though 
they are fully determined effectively to disturb its siesta. 
There sits the Owl, rolling its eyes, spitting, snapping its 
beak and ruffling its feathers, now hopping from one leg to 
another, now raising and lowering its feathered horns by 
turns; mad with rage, bemoaning its fate, and at logger¬ 
heads with the whole world, it awaits the turn that 
matters may take; at the same time, be it remembered, 
every Crow takes good care not to lay hold of the irritated 
gentleman; nothing less than a Eaven dares to rely on 
its own strength: one of these, however, will run a tilt 
at the dark knight, using its sharp beak as a lance; but 
before the latter has time to raise the terrible claw, 
the Raven makes good its retreat, prepares for another 
rush and darts like an arrow, so as to use its weapon 
effectively. The Owl now loses the last remnant of 
patience, and seeks safety in flight. Oh, unlucky wight! 
