Page:Story of the robins.djvu/102

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The Story of the Robins.

have sufficient strength, and then you will lie warm, safe, and quiet: however, do as you will."

Dicky began to think that it was his interest to obey his father, and said he would endeavour to fly up, but was still fearful he should not be able to do it.

"Never despair," replied his father, "of doing what others have done before you. Turn your eyes upwards, and behold what numbers of birds are at this instant soaring in the air. They were once all nestlings, like yourself. See there that new-fledged wren, with what courage he skims along. Let it not be said that a redbreast lies grovelling on the earth while a wren soars above him!"

Dicky was now ashamed of himself, and inspired with emulation, therefore without delay he spread his wings and his tail; his father with pleasure placed himself in a proper attitude before him, then rising from the ground, led the way; and Dicky, by carefully following his example, safely arrived at the nest, which he found a most comfortable resting-place after the fatigue of the morning, and rejoiced that he had a good father to teach him what was most conducive to his welfare.

The father, having seen him safe home, returned to his mate, who, during his short absence, had