Re: birds
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Tue, 7 Jan 1997 16:18:49 -0100
My dear Madam,
Alas poor Dick, I mourn him still. He was ours for more than
ten years, but the details of his birth and lineage were never
disclosed to us. I cannot but remember his fortitude in Boulogne,
when he was intended prey of two marauding cats, eventually
driven off with shotguns.
Dick was was by no means the first or only winged and feathered
member of our family. When I lived in Doughty Street, I owned a
goldfinch, whose peculiar talent was drawing his own water in a
little bucket from a little well. Or at least it was in the shop
in Spitalfields from whence he was purchased. Once home in
Doughty Street he drew water only under cover of darkness, and
never for the entertainment of guests or family, until the bow-
legged merchant who sold him to us was summoned, whereupon he
recommenced his labours in fear and trembling.
Add to the goldfinch Grip the first and Grip the second. These
were ravens we owned when we were living in Devonshire Terrace,
the first of whom sat for his portrait as Barnaby Rudge's pet raven.
The bird fancier from whom he was purchased described him as a
"thorough-going, long-headed, deep 'owdacious file," and was not
far wrong. His successor was scarcely less remarkable, and
displayed a rare talent for burying things, such as brushes, hammers,
and raw potatoes.
Faithfully yours,
Charles Dickens
======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author