The Nest in the Honeysuckles | Page 4

in

the middle of April, I often saw a sparrow alight on a bough of a tree
near the house, and send up to heaven such a strain of full, gushing
melody, as melted my heart with pity and admiration. It reminded me
of a child of God in the midst of trials and afflictions, yet rejoicing in
faith, and trusting continually in the care of a Father in heaven. Was the
cold little sparrow singing itself away, as it was once believed the swan
sung its own death-song? Or may the new neighbour of the robin be the
very one whose voice rang out so clear and loud, above the howlings of
the storm? I trust no rude blast nor chilling frost will mar the pleasure
of our feathered friends, but that they may prosper in their plans, and
never forget seeking a home in the vine which winds so gracefully
around the porch of Mrs. Dudley's cottage.
The song sparrow is not the only neighbour of the robin. A pair of
cat-birds have a nest in a lilac near the honeysuckle, and one of them
sings hour after hour on the walnut-tree opposite to the window and
often comes near enough to the house to look through the open
casement. These birds have lived for several summers in that same lilac,
and annually make all the repairs necessary to render their dwelling
habitable. They have raised several broods of birdlings, much to their
own enjoyment, and of Mrs. Dudley's bird-loving family.

CHAPTER IV.
HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green
eggs demanded her attention. She has occasionally left, for a few
minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise;
but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there
require her almost constant presence. She loves the green fields, the
leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her
mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all
she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her
straw-built nest.

Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling,
and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company
with her friends. She assisted at concerts, and was universally admired;
but she had the good sense to give up these enjoyments without a
murmur, when higher claims called for her undivided care. Whatever is
worth doing at all is worth doing well; and the robin will doubtless be
repaid for the unwearied patience with which she performs her
unostentatious duties. Some people are inclined to think domestic
labour dishonourable, and the cares of house-keeping a burden; but our
feathered friend is wiser than they. She does with her might what she
finds to do, and she does it heartily. Every act of duty, faithfully and
cheerfully performed, is acceptable to God; and his children do his will
when they endeavour to attend to their various occupations in such a
way as he can approve. If all house-keepers felt that, in attending to the
different departments of their work as they should be attended to, they
were honouring Him who has made this care necessary for the comfort
of families, it would be a blessing to themselves, and to who all who
dwell under the same roof with them. We cannot consider any thing
which we do to please our heavenly Father of small importance, and no
favour can be degrading which he requires of us.
We may all learn a lesson from the robin who lives in the honeysuckles,
and we shall see how she was rewarded for her devotion to the
employment which Providence assigned her. The wisest of men, in
describing the character of an excellent woman, says: "The heart of her
husband doth safely trust in her." "She will do him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life." Our feathered friend's husband is absent much
of his time (as most gentlemen are obliged to be) from his well-ordered
home; but he always thinks of it with pleasure, and hastens to it
whenever he can find time to do so. Sometimes he only stops a moment,
but it is a precious moment to them both, for their hearts and interests
are one. They are cheered, in their separation, by the pleasant memories
of these brief interviews, and by bright anticipations of future
enjoyment.
I have observed, Mr. Robin thinks it of importance to look nice at home,
as well as when he is abroad. I have seen him alight on the walnut-tree,

and carefully arrange his toilet, before going into the presence of his
wife. She must feel complimented