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Läsebok. N:o 76 — 77.
71
peculiar mode of building; but it may be remarked of all
alike, that they always construct their nests in the way that
is best adopted to their security, and to the preservation and
welfare of their species. — Such is the wonderful instinct
of birds with respect to the structure of their nests. What
skill and sagacity! what industry and patience do they
display! And is it not apparent that all their labours tend
towards certain ends? They construct their nests hollow and
nearly round, that they may retain the heat so much the
better. They line them with the most delicate substances,
that the young may lie soft and warm. What is it that
teaches the bird to place her nest in a situation sheltered
from the rain, and secure against the attacks of other
animals? How did she learn that she should lay eggs, that eggs
would require a nest, to prevent them from falling to the
ground, and to keep them warm? Whence does she know
that the heat would not be maintained around the eggs if
the nest were too large; and that, on the other hand, the
young would not have sufficient room if it were smaller?
By what rules does she determine the due proportions
between the nest and the young which are not yet in existence?
Who has taught her to calculate the time with such accuracy
that she never commits a mistake, in producing her eggs
before the nest is ready to receive them? Admire in all
these things the power, the wisdom, and the goodness of
the Creator!
Sturm.
77. King John and the Abbot of Canterbury.
An ancient story I’ll tell you anon
Of a notable prince, that was called King John;
And he rul’d over England with main and with might,
For he did great wrong, and maintain’d little right.
And I’ll tell you a story, a story so merry,
Concerning the Abbot of Canterbury;
How for his housekeeping, and high renown,
They röde post for him to fair London town.
An hundred men, the king did hear say,
The abbot kept in his house every day:
And fifty gold chains without any doubt,
And velvet coats waited the abbot about.
How now, father abbot, I hear it of thee,
Thou keepest a far better house than me,
And for thy housekeeping, and high renown,
I fear thou work’st treason against my crown.
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