At the idea of a hen's writing her adventures, the party was highly diverted; no, said they, that can never be, as a domestic fowl can know nothing out of the poultry yard, and that would never be worth reading; but I think, my children, that some of the adventures I have gone through, are almost as wonderful as those of cats and dogs, which I hear are published in little books: talking of cats, I once had a severe combat with one of them, in which I nearly lost one of my eyes, and had many feathers torn off: as to dogs, I was always afraid of approaching them, remembering the melancholy fate of my poor mother.
One time, when the family was paying a visit, orders were sent to the servant to fatten one of the fowls, then kill it, and send it to a poor neighbour who was sick; I was the one pitched upon, and was confined in a little coop, where I could scarcely turn round, much less take that exercise which is necessary to health, my confinement was still more distressing, when looking out, I could see all my companions enjoying themselves, how I longed to join in their sports.
I loathed the quantities of food brought me, and would freely have given a saucer full of delicious white bread softened with cream, for the delight of scratching up a worm for myself; but though I had no appetite I ate, because I had nothing else to do; and that being such voluptuous food, soon made me excessively fat, which caused me much pain, as I could scarcely breathe. I look forward with joy to the time, when the murderer's knife would end my miseries; the day was fixed.
On the morning of that day, to my astonishment, I saw Augustus enter the yard, he had returned from his visit much sooner than was expected: when I saw him, I thought of all his kindness, and wished to hear him speak once more before I died; for which purpose, I called as intelligibly as I could to him; at last I had the pleasure of hearing him say, what can be the matter with that poor hen which is confined, I never heard so pitiful a cry! Upon seeing it was his old favourite, Oh! my poor bird, said he, were you so near being killed; but I am very glad I have come in time to save you; saying this, he opened the door, and gave me liberty, that greatest of all blessings.
I was expressing, in my language, my thanks, when Susan entered with her knife; Oh! Susan, how could you think of killing this my favourite? Pray sir, how should I know which you please to call your favourite? All hens are alike to me, I caught the one which was nearest to me, and as it is now fattened, we must have it, and you may take another favourite. No, this one you shall never kill; it is cruel to destroy any, but this which knows me so well, and is so tame, I never will have it killed; so saying, he carried me away, leaving Sue in a great passion.
Soon after, my young master had to go to a boarding school, near London; his mamma accompanied him, and shut up her house; what was to be done with me, engaged much of his thoughts; at last he determined to place me here, with this worthy farmer, till his return.
Saving the hen.
I must say I have experienced much kindness, but I never can like any mortal so well as my dear Augustus; he will, when he returns, be grown almost a man, but his kind heart must ever be the same.
I anticipate the greatest pleasure from introducing my children to him, and I hope, when he comes, and I point him out to you, you will all behave with propriety to him. Yes, that we will, dear mother, how we long to see him; but I hope you have not finished your adventures, exclaimed Dickey (the little chicken who had been so angry about his worm) I should never be tired of hearing you. But I hope, my child, you have obtained more than entertainment; do you still think I should kill the bantum? Oh no! no, if I never meet with any greater troubles, I shall be a happy bird indeed; how trifling it must have appeared to you.