HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green
eggs demanded her attention. She has occasionally left, for a few
minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little
exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties
which there require her almost constant presence. She loves the green
fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop
about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks;
but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily
in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling,
and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company
with her friends. She assisted at concerts, and was universally
admired; but she had the good sense to give up these enjoyments
without a murmur, when higher claims called for her undivided care.
Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well; and the robin will
doubtless be repaid for the unwearied patience with which she performs
her unostentatious duties. Some people are inclined to think domestic
labour dishonourable, and the cares of house-keeping a burden; but our
feathered friend is wiser than they. She does with her might what she
finds to do, and she does it heartily. Every act of duty, faithfully
and cheerfully performed, is acceptable to God; and his children do
his will when they endeavour to attend to their various occupations in
such a way as he can approve. If all house-keepers felt that, in
attending to the different departments of their work as they should be
attended to, they were honouring Him who has made this care necessary
for the comfort of families, it would be a blessing to themselves, and
to who all who dwell under the same roof with them. We cannot consider
any thing which we do to please our heavenly Father of small
importance, and no favour can be degrading which he requires of us.
We may all learn a lesson from the robin who lives in the
honeysuckles, and we shall see how she was rewarded for her devotion
to the employment which Providence assigned her. The wisest of men, in
describing the character of an excellent woman, says: "The heart of
her husband doth safely trust in her." "She will do him good, and not
evil, all the days of her life." Our feathered friend's husband is
absent much of his time (as most gentlemen are obliged to be) from his
well-ordered home; but he always thinks of it with pleasure, and
hastens to it whenever he can find time to do so. Sometimes he only
stops a moment, but it is a precious moment to them both, for their
hearts and interests are one. They are cheered, in their separation,
by the pleasant memories of these brief interviews, and by bright
anticipations of future enjoyment.
I have observed, Mr. Robin thinks it of importance to look nice at
home, as well as when he is abroad. I have seen him alight on the
walnut-tree, and carefully arrange his toilet, before going into the
presence of his wife. She must feel complimented by this delicate
attention, indicating so high a regard for her, and such anxiety to
preserve her esteem. I should not wonder if she was a little proud of
her handsome husband. However this may be, I am sure it is her
greatest happiness to deserve his respect and love, and honourably to
perform all the duties which devolve upon her in her married life.
Madam Robin was sitting one day in her vine-shaded home, looking out
through the slender branches of the honeysuckle, which were gently
swayed by a refreshing breeze, when she heard a slight tap. She
listened eagerly. Another tap--presently another. How her heart
fluttered! It proceeded from one of those highly-prized eggs, and she
knew it was the timid knock of a birdling, who was in that little
chamber, and was waiting to have the door opened. Of how small
consequence all her self-denial and her seclusion from general society
seemed, when that thrilling tap sounded on her ear! She continued to
listen, and within those four tiny chambers she heard the same rapping
repeated; and more than that, the sweet word, Mother, might seem
faintly to greet her ear. How she longed for her mate to return, that
he might enjoy, with her, this new happiness! When husband and wife
love each other, as they should, all pleasure must be shared, or it
will still be imperfect. She waited, almost impatiently for his
coming; and when he alighted on the honeysuckle, she looked so full of
grateful joy, that he knew that something more than usual must have
occurred. He affectionately kissed her bill, and then, in a low
tremulous voice, she told him the glad news. He was quite as much
pleased as she, although he did not appear so excited. Had employment
in the open air given a firmness to his nerves, which her sedentary
occupations had not done for her? Yet beneath that calm exterior, his
sparkling eye plainly revealed the full tide of emotion within.
It was pleasant music to their ears to hear those four new voices in
their secluded home; and though they knew it would increase their
labour to provide food for those gaping mouths, what cared they for
their own comfort, if they could nurture their precious charge, and
rear them to be an honour and a blessing?
When the doors of their chambers were quite open, out came the
baby-birds, with a few downy feathers covering them!
"How very little they are!" said Eddie, with one breath; and, "How big
their mouths are!" with the next. To be sure, they do look very small,
and their mouths are very large for such diminutive bodies, and they
open them so wide that it almost seems as if one of them could jump
down another's throat.
The robin now often comes home, and brings food to his family. It is
gratifying to see how attentive he is to his dear children and their
mother; and I hope I may be able, some day, to tell you that they
repay his attachment, by growing up fine, obedient birds. It will not
be long before their education will be commenced, and I will tell you
whether they are taught at home, or are sent away to school, and what
progress they make in acquiring their accomplishments.