This page has been validated.
LITTLE BUD.
In a great forest, high up among the green boughs, lived Bird Brown-Breast, and his bright-eyed little mate. They were now very happy; their home was done, the four blue eggs lay in the soft nest, and the little wife sat still and patient on them, while the husband sang, and told her charming tales, and brought her sweet berries and little worms.
Things went smoothly on, till one day she found in the nest a little white egg, with a golden band about it.
"My friend," cried she, "come and see! Where can this fine egg have come from? My four are here, and this also; what think you of it?"
The husband shook his head gravely, and said, "Be not alarmed, my love; it is doubtless
