What the Animals Do and Say by Eliza Lee Cabot Follen
page 30 of 43 (69%)
page 30 of 43 (69%)
|
keep his surgical friend in sight. The doctor would often whistle
when he went to the pond; and the pike always came at the call, and showed pleasure at seeing him. Dr. Warwick introduced his family to his friend and patient, the pike. The grateful fish allowed them to give him food, and put aside much of his native shyness. In truth, he received their attentions very civilly, but he always showed a decided preference for his medical friend. Dr. Warwick was the father of my friend, Mrs. A., in Liverpool. He related all these facts to me himself, and they are all to be perfectly relied upon." Now I will read you a German story called Caliph Stork. One pleasant afternoon, the Caliph of Bagdad was sitting comfortably on his sofa: he had slept a little, (for it was a hot day,) and looked quite bright after his nap. He was smoking a long rose-wood pipe, and sipping coffee, which was poured out for him by a slave; and occasionally he stroked his beard with great satisfaction. In short, it was evident that he felt quite pleasantly. This was the best time of day for speaking with him; for at this hour he was always very good-natured and affable; and, on this account, the Grand Vizier Mansor always visited him at this hour. He came also this afternoon, but looking very thoughtful, quite against his wont. The caliph took the pipe partly away from his mouth, and said, "What makes you look so thoughtful, Grand Vizier?" The grand vizier crossed his arms over his breast, bowed to his master, and answered, "Sir! whether I look thoughtful or not is more than I know; but certain it is, that there is a pedler down stairs who has such beautiful things, that it vexes me not to have any |
|