WILD-FOWL. 
257 
handed down through so many centuries, and because 
we have looked into many books in vain for a plain 
account of its origin, and a modern description of the 
cirrhiped devoid of scientific technicalities. 
With this apology, then, to the reader, we return to the 
birds. 
The following dialogue between Malvolio and the 
Clown, in Twelfth Night , concerning wild-fowl, has refer¬ 
ence to the theory of Pythagoras on the subject of the 
transmigration of souls, and is quite as applicable to birds 
in general as to wild-fowl in particular:— 
“ Clo. What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning 
wild-fowl ? 
Mai. That the soul of our grandam might haply 
inhabit a bird. 
Clo . What thinkest thou of his opinion ? 
Mai. I think nobly of the soul, and no way approve 
his opinion. 
Clo. Fare thee well: remain thou still in darkness : thou 
shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow 
of thy wits ; and fear to kill a woodcock, lest thou dis¬ 
possess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well.”— 
Twelfth Night , Act iv. Sc. 2.* 
* The doctrine of Pythagoras is again alluded to by Gratiano, who says 
“ Thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith, 
To hold opinion with Pythagoras, 
That souls of animals infuse themselves 
Into the trunks of men.” 
Merchant of Venice , Act iv. Sc. i. 
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