“‘Fly pride,’ says the peacock,” is a pithy proverb put into the mouth of Dromio of Syracuse.[187] [Illustration: THE JAY] [Sidenote: _Doves and Pigeons_] The DOVE and the PIGEON are often mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings, without any essential distinction being drawn between them. Thus, we read in one passage that “Venus yokes her silver doves,”[188] while in another place the birds appear as “Venus’ pigeons.”[189] Again, in a less poetical sphere, they are even interchanged as articles of food. On the one hand we find Justice Shallow ordering “some pigeons” and any other “pretty little tiny kickshaws” for the entertainment of Falstaff,[190] and on the other hand, we note that old Gobbo, when he wanted Bassanio to take his son into service, presents to that gentleman “a dish of doves.”[191] The Dove is typically pure white, and stands as the recognised emblem of gentleness, purity and innocence. Yet in direst emergencies this timid bird may show fight in defence of its young. We are told that The smallest worm will turn being trodden on, And doves will peck in safeguard of their brood.[192] It was believed that when “frighted out of fear” the dove would peck the ostrich,[193] and it had probably been actually observed in hawking experience, that as Cowards fight when they can fly no further So doves do peck the falcon’s piercing talons.[194] The TURTLE-DOVE, long the accepted symbol of conjugal affection and loving tenderness, has an honoured place in Shakespeare’s pages.[195] We there read of “a pair of loving turtle-doves that could not live asunder day or night.”[196] Florizel takes Perdita’s hand in _Winter’s Tale_, with the significant assertion: So turtles pair That never mean to part.[197] And at the end of the same Play, the widowed Paulina, when all around her has at last ended happily, desires to retire into solitude: I, an old turtle, Will wing me to some wither’d bough and there My mate, that’s never to be found again, Lament till I am lost. [Illustration: THE TURTLE-DOVE] The Pigeon is not only presented as an article of food; but is sometimes slightingly alluded to, with reflections on its mode of feeding and its timidity. Of the “honey-tongued Boyet” it was remarked This fellow pecks up wit as pigeons pease And utters it again when God doth please.[198] And Hamlet, reflecting on his slowness to avenge his father’s murder, reproaches himself as “pigeon-liver’d and lacking gall.”[199] [Sidenote: _The Smaller Birds_] I have reserved for the last section of this Essay the smaller birds, including the songsters, as these are noticed in Shakespeare’s Poems and Dramas. A number of them are grouped together by Bottom in the ditty, singing which he wakes the sleeping Fairy Queen: The ousel-cock so black of hue, With orange-tawny bill, The throstle with his note so true, The wren with little quill;