In a wood, pleasantly situated in the southern part of ----, there lived
a squirrel. One day, as it was viewing the departure of some migratory
birds from its neighborhood, it could not prevent the escape of a deep
sigh, accompanied with the exclamation, "O dear! I wish some land fairy
would make me a bird. I could then soar to a great height, or dart
swiftly through the air. Even if I were a little fish, to play about in
the water, I should be much better satisfied than in living here all my
life, and having nothing to do but gather nuts and acorns."
At that moment, a fairy, who was near, having heard the soliloquy of the
discontented squirrel, immediately complied with its wish, and changed
it into a beautiful bird. This amazed the poor squirrel very much, and
when it attempted to call the attention of its companions by its
customary chatter, its scream ended in a song.
The squirrel now thought its happiness was complete, and it concluded to
make use of its wings by a visit to some distant land. It had not gone
far before a storm arose, and it was obliged to take shelter in a tree.
It now began to wish it was in its snug little nest with its former
companions.
The storm was soon over, and our bird again started on its journey. But
just then a hungry hawk, who had watched it for a long time, pounced
upon it. Fortunately, the fairy, who was near, seeing the bird was
sufficiently punished for its folly, took compassion on it, changed it
into a squirrel again, and placed it safely in its own tree. The
squirrel was ever afterward contented.
Moral.--Every one should be contented with his lot; for every station in
life has its own ills.