Much he knows about the anxieties of a parent . '' And the little mother bustled away to get supper for the young ones , whose bills were always gaping wide . `` Sorrows we have , too , '' softly said the fourth swallow . `` He would not envy me , if he knew how my nest fell , and all my children were killed ; how my dear husband was shot , and my old mother died of fatigue on our spring journey from the South . '' `` Dear neighbor Dart , he would envy you , if he knew how patiently you bear your troubles ; how tenderly you help us with our little ones ; how cheerfully you serve your friends ; how faithfully you love your lost mate ; and how trustfully you wait to meet him again in a lovelier country than the South . '' As Skim spoke , she leaned down from her nest to kiss her neighbor ; and , as the little beaks met , the other birds gave a grateful and approving murmur , for Neighbor Dart was much beloved by all the inhabitants of Twittertown . `` I , for my part , do n't envy him , '' said Gossip Wing , who was fond of speaking her mind . `` Men and women call themselves superior beings ; but , upon my word , I think they are vastly inferior to us . Now , look at that man , and see how he wastes his life . There never was any one with a better chance for doing good , and being happy ; and yet he mopes and dawdles his time away most shamefully . '' `` Ah ! he has had a great sorrow , and it is hard to be gay with a heavy heart , an empty home ; so do n't be too severe , Sister Wing . '' And the white tie of the little widow 's cap was stirred by a long sigh as Mrs. Dart glanced up at the nook where her nest once stood . `` No , my dear , I wo n't ; but really I do get out of patience when I see so much real misery which that man might help , if he 'd only forget himself a little . It 's my opinion he 'd be much happier than he now is , wandering about with a dismal face and a sour temper . '' `` I quite agree with you ; and I dare say he 'd thank any one for telling him how he may find comfort . Poor soul ! I wish he could understand me ; for I sympathize with him , and would gladly help him if I could . '' And , as she spoke , kind-hearted Widow Dart skimmed by him with a friendly chirp , which did comfort him ; for , being a poet , he could understand them , and lay listening , well pleased while the little gossips chattered on together . `` I am so tied at home just now , that I know nothing of what is going on , except the bits of news Skim brings me ; so I enjoy your chat immensely .
I 'm interested in your views on this subject , and beg you 'll tell me what you 'd have that man do to better himself , '' said Mrs. XXXXX , settling herself on her eggs with an attentive air .
Dart Sister Skim South Twittertown Wing beaks chirp gossips nook