London. Published by W. Darton Jun. Oct. 5, 1815.
Arthur. Then why do not we do so when we drink?
Grandmamma. Because our throats are not formed the same as birds’; for we are provided with a muscle, which carries down the liquor by its motion.
Charles. How the pretty creatures creep under their mother’s wings! and she puffs her feathers out, and makes herself as large as she can to cover them all.
Grandmamma. You see how Providence has provided for the welfare of all his creatures. Whilst they are too young to take care of themselves, he gives to the parent a strong affection towards them, and wisdom sufficient to bring them up. The mother, though generally timorous, and easily frightened, to preserve her young ones will boldly turn round and face almost any danger. You observed that the hen forgot her own hunger, when she was teaching the little chickens to peck; now she covers them with her wings to keep them from the cold, which, as they are not completely fledged, would probably kill them if it were not for her care.
Charles. And what will she do when these little things are grown as big as she is?
Grandmamma. Long before that time she will have cast them off. Brutes never care for their young when they are able to shift for themselves.
Arthur. That is very different from us. I do not think my mamma will cast us off as long as she lives.
Grandmamma. I do not think she will. And I hope, my dear boys, that in return you will never neglect her. A chicken, you see, could not be reared unless the hen took care of it; but a child requires constant attention for many years; and even when grown up, the fondness of the parents still continues. Surely, then, nothing can excuse ingratitude and undutifulness towards them.