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298 THE KINGFISHER AND THE SPARROW

KINGFISHER was perched in a shady spot on the bank of a river, when she was surprised by the arrival of a Sparrow that had flown out from town to visit her. After the first greetings the Sparrow said:

"How is it possible that a bird so finely feathered should spend all her days in such a retired spot? The golden plumage of your breast, the shining azure of your wings were never given you to be concealed, but to attract the wonder of all beholders. Why do you not travel and see the world, and become known and admired yourself?"

"You are very kind," replied the Kingfisher, "to conclude that I need only to be known to be admired. But even in this lonesome valley I have sometimes heard of beauty that has been neglected, and of true worth that has been despised. I have learned, besides, not to base my happiness on what others think of me, but on the approval of my own conscience. It may be joy to a Sparrow to indulge his curiosity and display his eloquence. But I am a Kingfisher; these woods and streams are my delight, and so long as they are free from wind and storm I am perfectly content with my situation."

(Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 51.)

THE HUMMING-BIRD AND THE TRAVELLER

TRAVELLER who had visited Asia, Africa and Europe, was at length, in making his tour through America, overcome with heat, and lay down to rest under a tree. He had scarcely begun to doze, when he was roused by a loud noise, of which he could