Page:Story of the robins.djvu/215

Rh he still felt a kind solicitude for their future welfare; and calling them around him, he thus addressed them:—

"You must be sensible, my dear young ones, that from the time you left the egg-shell to the present instant, both your mother and I have nourished you with the tenderest love. We have taught you all the arts of life which are necessary to procure you subsistence and preserve you from danger. We have shown you a variety of characters in the different classes of birds, and pointed out those which are to be shunned. You must now shift for yourselves; but, before we part, let me repeat my admonition, to use industry, avoid contention, cultivate peace, and be contented with your condition. Let none of your own species excel you in any amiable quality, for want of your endeavours to equal the best; and do your duty in every relation of life, as we have done ours by you. To the gay scenes of levity and dissipation prefer a calm retirement, for there is the greatest degree of happiness to be found. You, Robin, I would advise, on account of your infirmity, to attach yourself to the family where you have been so kindly cherished." While he thus spake his mate stood by; who, finding the same change beginning to take place in