The Birds of Shakespeare (Classic Reprint)

CHAPTER 1. 'I'll to: EAGLE AND THE LARGER BIRDS OF PREY. ,l T the bead of the djurnal birds of prey, most authors have agreed in placing the Eagles. Their large size, powerful flight, and great muscular strength, give them a superiority which is universally admitted. In reviewing, therefore, the birds of which Shakespeare has made mention, no apology seems to be necessary for commencing with the genus Aquila. Throughout the works of our great dramatist, frequent allusions may be found to an cagle, but the word ~'eagle" is almost always employed in a generic sense, and in a fe,,,, instances only can we infer, from the context, that a particular species is indicated. Indeed, it is not improbable that in the poet's opinion only one species of eagle existed. Be this as it may, the introduction of an eagle and his attributes, by way of simile Of metaphor, has been accompli~hed by Shakespeare with much beauty and effect. Considered as the emblem of majesty, the

Table of Contents

SH,KESPEAJ{E'S (~E:Ej{,L K:OnEIlGJ: OF :,ATl'!LL IIISTORY; His LOI'e of ~port-Haking-Fishing -Hunting-Fowling-Deer-Shooting-; Deer-Stealing - "The ~ubtle Fox" and "Timorous Hare"Coursing; -Coney-Catchillg-Yilcl Animals mentioned by Shakespeare; -His Knowledge of their Habits-Insects referred to in the Plays-Shakespeare's; Powers of Ohsen·ation - Practical Knowledge of Falconry; - LOI'e of Birds; n "Eagle Eye"--Power of Flight-c good Omen-"The Bird of; Jo'e"--1'he Roman Eagle-The" Ensign" of the Eagle-Habits and; Attitudes-Eagles' Eggs --Longe'ity of the Eagle: its cge computed; -The Eagle tmined for Hawking- The Vulture: its Repulsive Habits; --The Osprey: its 1'O'er OI'er Fish-The Klte-1'he Kite's Xest---; The BUZl