CXXVII.

A humming-bird invited a vulture to dine with her. He accepted, but

took the precaution to have an emetic along with him; and immediately

after dinner, which consisted mainly of dew, spices, honey, and

similar slops, he swallowed his corrective, and tumbled the

distasteful viands out. He then went away, and made a good wholesome

meal with his friend the ghoul. He has been heard to remark, that the

taste for humming-bird fare is "too artificial for _him_." He says, a

simple and natural diet, with agreeable companions, cheerful

surroundings, and a struggling moon, is best for the health, and most

agreeable to the normal palate.

People with vitiated tastes may derive much profit from this opinion.

_Crede experto._

Cobwebs from an Empty Skull · 第 141 / 198 题