Middletown transcript., 1876-11-11
THE puRE-n1rDED PARROT.

1t was some other clergyman who Vi
hunting along the wharves the other ds
to find vessel just from the Africs
coast, hoping that some of the ere
might have brought home an innocen
hearted, pure-minded parrot, whic
might be purchased at a reasonab
figure, and trained up in the way GOO
parrots should walk and talk. Tt
vessel was found. and the sailors ha
brought back splendid specimen .
African parrot, and they didn't war
but five dollars for it The clergyma
admired its plumage, thought the ag
was just right. inquired after its geners
health, and asked:
HAS the bird yet attempted to utte
any words p
"Bless your topsails, but she talk
as we'll as q boy ten years DID," reptile,
the sailor.
"Then l don't want her. She ha
probably caught up a great many ba,
expressions, and she would not be
fit pet for my household"
"Avast now p said Jack. "Do 70,
suppose a man like me who reads th,
good book twice day, would have /,
bad bird around him :? Stand back anc
I'll show you what christian bird ",
made of her"
Giving Polly rap on the head to
wake her up. the sailor called out:
"Now, Polly, who was the frs,
man 2"
Adam" was the prompt reply.
"That's so, Polly And now tell
this good man who was the first cast
into the lions den ?"
Daniel" was the answer.
did you ever see such bird be-
fore?" asked Jack of the clergyman
"While other parrots will blast your
eyes and bless your parsnips, this one
turns to religion and keeps her mind on
heaven. Now. Polly, who was tucked
away in the bulrushes when be was too
small to carry sail for himself?"
"Moses-Moses," quacked the bird,
isn't she diamond ?" exclaimed
Jack trying to wink at the minister
with both eyes.
Il must confess she is the best. mind
ed parrot | ever saw on heard Of" re-
piled the clergyman.
''That isn't half she can do," con-
tinued the sailor. "Now, nv dear
Polly, how many commandments are
there 2"
"Ten," screamed Polly.
That's right, old gal. Now tell
the man which is the first day in the
week p
Sunday" was the reply.
Il tell you," remarked Jack, as be
turned to the clergyman, II was
brought up right, and I've been trying
70 bring that bird up right. She's worth
'wenty dollars to any man, but seeing
you preach the Gospel, you shall have
Ter for fve."
II guess I'll take her." replied the
minister, producing his wallet. "AsI|
aid before the bird is one of ten thou
and. and you deserve credit for the
are you have taken in her teaching"
II hope I do sir" was Jacks mod
st reply. and then giving Polly rap
n the head, he inquired:
"Now, then, get your bearings and
ell me who was going to offer bis son
s sacrifice p
abraham !" shouted the bird, shak-
,g its feathers as if greatly pleased.
you'll sit up nights to hear that
ird talk, you WILL" said the sailor.
If I hadn't said five dollars to you l
hould say fifty to the next man. II
ever had time to learn her, but believe
could have that bird singing hymns
just one voyage to Liverpool. She
arted out to sing Old Hundred, one
~ when we were off St. Helena, and
the captain hadn't yelled out Just
ZEN, l believe the bird would have
cked up the whole tune like whistle
The clergyman said he would 90 and
lrchase small cage in which to re-
owe. the bird, and he had started
hen Jack called out:
"Just hear one more question. H.
ant you to appreciate this bird for
hat she's worth"
The clergyman went back to the !
&c, and Jack shook up the bird, and !
lied out:
"Polly, old gal. who did the ravens /
I'd? Speak up sharp now." Il
elijah !" shrieked Polly, seeming
eatly angered over the shaking; and a
er an interval of few seconds she n
E
Where in h-Ps them crackers ?" b
Jack and the good man looked at 7
b other for moment, and then the il
mister climbed slowly over the rail,
7er to return-not even to get his r
s-dollar bill. =,
See what you did !" yelled Jack, as et
turned to the bird. h,
And all the answer that Polly made "
} to softly say: = Or
'Cussum !"
INEBRIETY FROM JOY. q