"And you set your foot very hard upon me," cried Pecksy, "for telling you that you had forgotten your dear mother's command.
"This is a sad story indeed," said the mother. "I am very sorry to find, Robin, that you already display such a turbulent disposition. If you go on in this manner we shall have no peace in the nest, nor can I leave it with any degree of satisfaction. As for your being the eldest, though it makes me show you a preference on all proper occasions, it does not give you a privilege to domineer over your brother and sisters. You are all equally the objects of our tender care, which we shall exercise impartially among you, provided you do not forfeit it by bad behaviour. To show you that you are not master of the nest, I desire you to get from under my wing, and sit on the outside, while I cherish those who are dutiful and good." Robin, greatly mortified, retired from his mother; on which Dicky, with the utmost kindness, began to intercede for him. "Pardon Robin, my dear mother, I entreat you," said he; "I heartily forgive his treatment of me, and would not have complained to you, had it not been necessary for my own justification.
"You are a good bird, Dicky," said his mother, "but such an offence as this must be repented of
