Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/30

Rh found in the field-mouse’s parlor, that he might rest more warmly than on the cold earth.

“Farewell, pretty little bird,” said she, “farewell! and many thanks for your friendly song last summer, when all the trees were green, and the sun shone down upon us all so warmly!”

Then she laid her little head on the bosom of the bird, but she was sadly frightened; for it seemed to her as if something moved within. It was the heart of the bird, who was not dead, but only lay benumbed, and came to life again when penetrated by the warmth.

In autumn the swallows fly to warm countries, but when there is a weakling among them, which tarries behind until the winter sets in, it becomes benumbed with the cold, so that it falls to the ground and lies in a torpid state till the chill snow covers it.

At first Ellie was frightened when the bird began to move, for compared to her he was a giant; but she soon took courage,