countries have adopted this rapacious
bird for their emblem; and it forms a sad index to the motives that have
hitherto actuated nations. In ancient times it was seen upon the
banners of Persia and Rome. In modern days Napoleon spread its wings
like black shadows over France. It is the emblem of Russian despotism
and American freedom. Austria, Prussia, Poland, Sicily, Spain,
Sardinia, and many of the small governments of Germany, look up to the
eagle on their standards; while, upon the other side of the Atlantic, it
waves over the great nations of the United States and Mexico, as well as
several of the smaller republics. Why, a general war among the nations
of the world would be almost exclusively a war among the eagles! It is
not improbable that the _lion_ would insist upon having a claw in the
quarrel; although his honesty and nobility of disposition are very much
doubted, particularly by the jackal and some other animals. He is,
therefore, no better qualified to act as the representative of a pacific
people than the very worst of the eagles; but he fortunately has a wise
keeper, called Public Opinion, who of late has held him under some
restraint.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What a chain of destruction!" exclaimed Lucien. "One creature preying
upon another."

"Ay," added Francois; "and how curious it should begin with a bird and
end with a bird. Look at the two together. Ha! ha!"

As Francois made this remark, he pointed to the little humming-bird and
the great eagle--which had been laid side by side upon the grass, and,
sure enough, presented in size and appearance a most singular contrast
to each other.

"You forget, Francois," said Lucien, "there were two other links to the
chain, and perhaps many more."

"What other links?" demanded Francois.

"The humming-bird, you remember, when attacked, was himself a destroyer.
He was killing the little blue-winged fly."

"That is certainly another link, but--"

"Who killed the eagle?"

"Ah, true! Basil, then, was the last link in the chain of destruction."

"Perhaps the most criminal, too," said Lucien, "because the least
necessary. The other creatures were but following out their instincts
to procure food, whereas Basil's only motive was one of wanton
destruction."

"I beg to differ with you, Luce," said Basil, interrupting his brother,
sharply, "it was no such thing. I shot that eagle because he ki