Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-10-29

pi'FHtc. y great NltiS HfS, VII" IVA"
BEEN wallowing in the mire, came in
grun'mg. and ihrusting himself into COM
ranv where he was not wanted: bat he
got good seat, because everybody feared
To come in contact with him. The swal-
lows skinned down from their nests un-
der tie caves Of the barn, and seated
themselves in row on the rail fence.
The turkeys came in late, grumbling and
gobbling. They thought the whole con-
Germ rather ridiculous-they were as good
as the peacock, any day--"some people
/ make such a fuss about nothing" A
beautiful robin came hopping along, and
fIew up into branch of the cherry-tree,
with d sweet and plaintive cry; while a
fierce little bantam rooster pushed his
way in among the horses, squared off TO
turkey seven times as large as himself,
and at length reached an excellent place,
where he sat with the air of one who
thinks himself as good as most people.
When the company were seated, the
rose, who had called the meeting, in a
brief and graceful address. explained the
wager which had been laid between the
peacock and herself #r
"My friends" said the peacock, in a
screaming, discordant voice, which made
the robin futter 10 more distant seat
81 am nearly overcome with difiidence at
appearing thus in public. Nothing but
duty and self-respect could have driven
me TO such an extremity; but as The rep
resentative of large class Of society, |
| feel bound to assert our claims to your
attention. Look at me, my friends; ex'
anime those feathers, the rainbow tinges
that melt into each other on my breast;
the brilliant hues frightening up for ever
and dying away; the radiance that seems
10 float around me, and which certainly
excels in superb beauty even the vivid
bow of heaven. The rose, whols nice
sort of person, to be sure, but without
taste, and not a little prejudiced against
natures more choice production"-(here
the peacock unfoIded his tail, and acct
dentally cast his eyes upon the ass, who,
supposing the remark an oblique compII-
ment to himself, held up his head higher,
gave gentle bray Of appreciation, and
continued to listen with imperturbable
gravity)-"the rose has proflered to bring
before you bird more valuable than my
self. appeal to my person, and chal-
lenge competition" -.
The peacock then walked around in a
circle
What stately gait ~ said the goose.
"And what a sweet voice !" said the
ass.
Il shall now produce your rival, Mas
ter Peacock" said the rose, in sweet
voice, and with something Of deeper
shade of crimson passing over her soil
face. She nodded her bead. and strange
bird. who had not before been at all OBJ
served among the crowd, stepped forth,
and stood in silence by the rose-bush
His plain appearance excited some whs-
| perins-there was good deal of cackllng
and sImpering among the old hens, at the
idea of such a small, insignificant looking
creature daring to present hlmseltan such
an occasion. The most influential goose
gave downright hiss, whereupon all the
other geese s3ceIched ont their sagaciouS
iheads and hissed also; while the guinea
! hen uttered peevish, disconnected cry
Nothin0. however, could exceed the IT.
repressible mirth of the rooster, who gave
right hearty crow of dorision, unless it
was the wise demeanour of the ass, who
first looked down conemptuously Y on the
|Et,Ie asDjrant, then laughe aloud, and
concluded by noIdng his head and long
ears TO his neighbours, and winking his
ileft eve with knowing look, as much
as to say, "stand by, now, and we shaI!
have some fun."
After the peacock had remained silent
for moment swelling and stru'ing, ana
exhibiting himself to his admirefs, like q
militia colonel on parade. he asked the
rose, with sneer, ii she intended to IN
suit The audience by such miserable
Jest -
The rose was going to reply. when
the ass, who always puts himself forward
on these occasions, and attempts to lead
the rest of the meeting, rose and made a
short address.
"N1y friends" he said, Il can no lon
ger suppress my feelings of Indignation at
The insult offered to the>excellent. tender
hearted and amiable peacock, by this bra
zen-tared rose. Let me ask YOU. gentle
men, who and what is this rose What
has she done! What use is she OF
Who ever heard her voice in the wood.
as mine is heard, and the peacock ks. ami
mating nature, and soothing all that have
ears TO hear, and hearts to feel! The
rose is stupid and senseless flower, so
conscious of her own inSigulficance, that
she dare not show herself in the pathway
where we tread. Look at the blush OF
shame which even now rises to her cheeks