A Duck and drake lived together, as husband and wife should do, in the
bonds of mutual affection. The poultry-yard being assailed, the drake
was carried off by thieves. The poor bereaved duck exhibited evident
signs of grief at her loss. Retiring into a corner, she sat
disconsolate all day. No longer did she preen herself, as had been her
wont. Scarcely could she be induced to waddle to the pond, nor would
she touch the food brought to her. It was thought, indeed, that she
would die.
While in this unhappy condition, a drake, which by the same marauders
had been deprived of his mate, cast his eyes on her, and began to
consider that she might replace his lost companion. She, however,
instead of offering him encouragement, repelled his advances with
evident disdain.
Search had been made for the thieves; and though they escaped, their
booty was discovered, most of the birds alive and well, and among them
the affectionate duck's lost husband. On his return to the farmyard,
the loving couple exhibited the liveliest joy at meeting. She had a
long story to tell, which the drake listened to with stern attention.
No sooner was it finished than he glanced fiercely round the farmyard,
and then, evidently with fell intentions, made his way towards where the
rival drake was digging worms from the soft mud. His pace quickened as
he approached his antagonist; then, with a loud quack, he flew at him,
brought him to the ground, pecked out first one eye and then the other,
and otherwise assaulted him so furiously, that his unfortunate foe sank
at length lifeless beneath the blows of his strong bill.
While I describe the bad example set by the drake, I must entreat you
not to harbour even for a moment any angry feelings which may arise at
injuries done you.