Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-06-26
APure.Minded Parrot.

1t was some other clergyman, who was
hunting along the wharves the other
day to find vessel just from the African
coast, hoping that some of the crew
might have broguht home an innocent
hearted, pure-minded parrot which
might be purchased at a reasonable
figure and trained up in the way good
parrots walk and talk.
The vessel was found, and the sailors
had brought splendid specimen of
African parrot, and they didn't want
but SIS for it. The clergyman admired
its plumage, thought the age just right,
inquired after its general health, and
asked:
"Has the bird attempted to utter any
words?n
"Bless your topsails, but she talks as
well as boy ten years DID," replied the
sailor. l13f III ffA
''Then I don't want her. She has
probably caught up a great many bad
expressions and she would not be fit
pet for my household"
"Avast nown said Jack. "Do you
suppose that man like me, who reads
the good book twice day, would have
a bad bird around him? Stand back and
I'll show you what Christian bird I've
made of her." .4
+ Giving Polly rap on the head to
wake her up the sailor called out:
Nov, Polly, who was the first man ?"
ADAM" was the prompt reply.
'"That's so, Polly. And now tell this
good man who was first cast into the
lions den ?"
Daniel" was the answer.
"Did you ever see such bird before?"
asked Jack Of the clergyman. While
other birds 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 bull
rushes when he was too small to carry
sail for himself?"
';Moses-Meses," quacked the bird.
"Isn't she a diamond?n exclaimed
Jack, trying to wink at the minister with
both eyes. f'f l44u u.t...
II must confess she is the best-mind-
ed parrot ever saw or heard tell off,"
replied the clergyman.
''That isn't half she can do, skipper"
continued the sailor. "Now, my dear
Polly: how many commandments are
there?" Il
'"Ten," screamed Polly.
'That's right, old gal. Now tell the
man which is the first day in the week"
Sunday" was the quiet reply.
+ II tell you," remarked Jack. as he
turned to the clergyman. II was brought
up right, and I've been trying to bring
that bird up right. She's worth 500 to
any man, but, seeing you preach the
Gospel. you shall have her for S."
''I guess I'll take her." replied the
minister producing his wallet. As /
said before, the bird is one of 10, 200, and
you deserve credit for the care you have
taken in her teaching"
II hope | do, SIR" was Jacks modest
reply, and then, giving Polly rap on
the head, he inquired:
"Now, then, get your bearings, and
tell who was going to offer his son as a
sacrifice ?"
"Abraham!" shouted the bird, shak-
ing its feathers as if greatly pleased.
you'll SIT up nights to hear that bird
talk, you WILL" said the sailor. 'If 1
hadn't said S. to you, / should say $50
to the next man. I neve had time to
learn her. but I believe I could have
that bird singing hymns in just one
voyage to Liverpool. She started out to
sing Old Hundred one day, when we
were off st. Helena, and if the captain
hadn't yelled out just then, believe
the bird would have picked up the whole
tune like a whistle"
The clergyman said he would go and
purchase small cage in which to re-
move the bird, and he had started for
the rail, when Jack called out:
"Just hear one more question. I want
you to appreciate this bird for what she
is worth"
The clergyman went back to the cage,
and Jack shook up the bird and called
out:
"Polly, old gal, who did the ravens
feed? Speak up sharp now"
"'Lijah !" shrieved Polly, seeming
greatly angered over the shaking, and
after an interval of few seconds, she
continued: l..
"Where in h-ll's them crackers ?"
Jack and the good man looked at each
other for a moment, and then the min
lister climbed slowly over the rail, never
to return-not even to get his S. bill.
"See what you did ?" yelled Jack, as
he turned to the bird.
And all the answer that Polly made
was to softly say:
"Cussum 7" ~