whilst her mate amused her with his singing and conversation till the evening, excepting that each parent bird flew out in turn to get food for their young ones.

In this manner several days passed with little variation; the nestlings were very thriving, and daily gained strength and knowledge through the care of their indulgent parents, who every day visited their friends, Master and Miss Benson. Frederick had been successful with the cook and footman, from whom he obtained enough for his dear birds, as he called them, without robbing the poor; and he was still able to produce a penny whenever his papa or mama pointed out to him a proper object of charity.

MRS.

LADY AT BREAKFAST.

THE TEA TABLE.

It happened one day that both the Redbreasts, who always went together to Mrs. Benson's (because if one had waited for the other's return it would have missed the chance of being fed); it happened, I say, that they were both absent longer than usual; for their little benefactors having been fatigued with a very long walk the evening before, lay late in bed that morning; but as soon as Frederick was dressed, his sister, who was waiting for him, took him by the hand, and led him down stairs, where he hastily asked the cook for the collection of crumbs. As soon as he entered the

breakfast parlour, he ran attempted to fling it up. mighty bustle? said his mama, do you not perceive that I am in the room, Frederick?-O, my birds! my birds! cried he. I understand, rejoined Mrs. Benson, that you have neglected to feed your little pensioners; how came this about, Harriet?-We were so tired last night, answered Miss Benson, that we overslept ourselves, mama. This excuse may satisfy you and your brother, added the lady, but I fear your birds would bring heavy complaints against you, were they able to talk. But make haste to feed them now; and, for the future, whenever you give any living creature cause to depend on you for sustenance, be careful on no account to disappoint it; and if you are prevented from feeding it yourself, employ another person to do it for

eagerly to the window, and What is the cause of this

you.

It is customary, continued Mrs. Benson, for little boys and girls to pay their respects to their papas and mamas every morning, as soon as they see them. This, Frederick, you ought to have done to me, on entering the parlour, instead of running across it, crying out, My birds! my birds! It would have taken you but very little time to have done so; however, I will excuse your neglect now, my dear, as you did not intend to offend me; but remember that you depend as much on your papa and me for every thing you want as these little birds do on you; nay, more so, for they could find food in other places; but children can do nothing towards their own support, they should therefore be dutiful and respectful to those whose tenderness and care they constantly experience.

Miss Harriet promised her mama that she would,

on all occasions endeavour to behave as she wished her to do but I am sorry to say, Frederick was more intent on opening the window than on imbibing the good instructions that were given him. This he could not do; therefore Harriet, by her mama's permission, went to his assistance, and the store of provisions was dispensed. As many of the birds had nests, they eat their meal with all possible expedition; among this number were the Robins, who despatched the business as soon as they could, for the Hen was anxious to return to her little ones, and the Cock to procure them a breakfast; and having given his young friends a song before they left their bedchambers, he did not think it necessary to stay to sing any more; they therefore departed..

When the mother-bird arrived at the ivy-wall, she stopped at the entrance of the nest with a palpitating heart; but, seeing her brood all safe and well, she hastened to take them under her wings. As soon as she was seated, she observed that they were not so cheerful as usual. What is the matter? said she; How have you agreed during my absence? To these questions all were unwilling to reply; for the truth was that they had been quarreling almost the whole time. What! all silent? said she; I fear you have not obeyed my commands, but have been contending. I desire you will tell me the truth. Robin, knowing that he was the greatest offender, began to justify himself before the others could have time to accuse him.

I am sure, mother, said he, I only gave Dick a little peck, because he crowded me so; and all the others joined with him, and fell upon me at once.

Since you have begun, Robin, answered Dicky, I

must speak, for you gave me a very hard peck indeed; and I was afraid you had put out my eye. I am sure I made all the room I could for you; but you said you ought to have half the nest, and to be master when your father and mother were out, because you are the eldest.

I do not love to tell tales, said Flapsy, but what Dicky says is very true, Robin; and you plucked two or three little feathers out of me, only because I begged you not to use, us ill.

And you set your foot very hard upon me, cried Pecksy, for telling you that you had forgotten your dear mother's command.

As for

This is a sad story indeed, said the mother. I am very sorry to find, Robin, that you already discover such a turbulent disposition. If you go on in this manner we shall have no peace in the nest; nor can I leave it with any degree of satisfaction. your being the eldest, though it makes me show you a preference on all proper occasions, it does not give you a privilege to domineer over your brothers and sisters. You are all equally the objects of our tender care, which we shall exercise impartially among you, provided you do not forfeit it by bad behaviour. To show you that you are not master of the nest, I desire you to get from under my wing, and sit on the outside, while I cherish those who are dutiful and good. Robin, greatly mortified, retired from his mother; on which Dicky, with the utmost kindness, began to intercede for him. Pardon Robin, my dear mother, I entreat you, said he; I heartily forgive his treatment of me, and would not have complained to you, had it not been necessary for my own justification.