her own breast, viewed her young ones with tender regret, and when he ceased cried out, "Adieu, ye dear objects of my late cares and solicitude! may ye never more stand in need of a mother's assistance! Though nature now dismisses me from the arduous task which I have long daily performed, I rejoice not, but would gladly continue my toil for the sake of its attendant pleasures. Oh, delightful sentiments of maternal love, how can I part with you? Let me, my nestlings, give you a last embrace." Then spreading her wings, she folded them successively to her bosom, and instantly recovered her tranquillity.
Each young one expressed his grateful thanks to both father and mother, and with these acknowledgments filial affection expired in their breasts, instead of which a respectful friendship succeeded. Thus was that tender tie dissolved which had hitherto bound this little family together; for the parents had performed their duty, and the young ones had no further need of their parental care.
The old redbreasts, having now only themselves to provide for, resolved to be no longer burthensome to their benefactors; and after pouring forth their gratitude in the most lively strains, they took their flight together, resolving never to separate. Every
