It produces black swans, and flying opossums; the superb menura, a bird with a tail shaped like an ancient harp; the platypus, a queer fellow, with a bill like a duck, fur like a beaver, and claws like a woodchuck!
Among other curiosities found in New Holland, is the cereopsis, a kind of speckled goose. We give a picture of this bird, which will afford a better idea of its appearance, than words can convey. Who would not like to go to New Holland?
Tolerance.—“In my youth,” says Horace Walpole, “I thought of writing a satire upon mankind; but now, in my old age, I think I should write an apology for them.”
Story of Philip Brusque.
CHAPTER X.
Pacification.—Another attempt to adopt some form of government.
The morning that followed the battle of the tents, and the death of Rogere, was fair and bright. The sun, at rising, seemed to burst from the bosom of the briny element, at the same time converting its boundless surface into a mirror of burnished gold. The light clouds that hung in the east, in long horizontal lines, were also of a golden hue, betokening at once the gentleness of the morning breeze, and the fair weather that was to characterize the day. M. Bonfils, as he stepped forth from the tent, and felt the fresh air, and looked abroad, could not but be struck with the beauty of the scene around. “It is indeed a lovely morning—and this is a heavenly climate,” said he, half audibly. “Oh, that the human beings upon this lone island, would look forth upon nature, and take a lesson of peace from its teaching!”
As he said these words, he was met by Brusque, and several other persons, who had been deliberating as to what course ought to be pursued. No communication had, as yet, been had with the defeated party at the cave, and the state of feeling there was a matter of entire uncertainty. After a little conversation, M. Bonfils offered himself to go alone to the cave, and propose some amicable adjustment of difficulties. To this, Brusque as well as others objected; urging upon the hoary patriot the danger of placing himself in the power of these violent men, recently defeated, and likely still to be irritated by the death of their leader. But these reasons did not shake the old man’s purpose. He replied that he feared no danger; that the Rogere party would probably be more reasonable now than before; that his very helplessness would disarm their vengeance; and that even if they took his life, it was but the remnant of an existence, now near its close, and which he could well afford to risk for the sake of his friends.
Finding him entirely devoted to the adventure, Brusque withdrew his objections, and the aged man departed, taking no weapon of defence; supported, however, by a light bamboo cane, for his step was tottering, and his frame frail, from extreme age. The people saw him take his way up the hill, with anxious and admiring eyes, and there was more than one cheek down which the tears stole, showing that their hearts were touched by the fortitude and devotion of the patriarch.