THE WREN WHO BROUGHT FIRE

Centuries and centuries ago, when men were first made, there was no such thing as fire known in all the world.  Folk had no fire with which to cook their food, and so they were obliged to eat it raw; which was very unpleasant, as you may imagine!  There were no cheery fireplaces about which to sit and tell stories, or make candy or pop corn.  There was no light in the darkness at night except the sun and moon and stars.  There were not even candles in those days, to say nothing of gas lamps or electric lights.  It is strange to think of such a world where even the grown folks, like the children and the birds, had to go to bed at dusk, because there was nothing else to do.

But the little birds, who lived nearer heaven than men, knew of the fire in the sun, and knew also what a fine thing it would be for the tribes without feathers if they could have some of the magic element.

One day the birds held a solemn meeting, when it was decided that men must have fire.  Then some one must fly up to the sun and bring a firebrand thence.  Who would undertake this dangerous errand?  Already by sad experience the Kingfisher had felt the force of the sun’s heat, while the Eagle and the Wren, in the famous flight which they had taken together, had learned the same thing.  The assembly of birds looked at one another, and there was a silence.

“I dare not go,” said the Kingfisher, trembling at the idea; “I have been up there once, and the warning I received was enough to last me for some time.”

“I cannot go,” said the Peacock, “for my plumage is too precious to risk.”

“I ought not to go,” said the Lark, “for the heat might injure my pretty voice.”

“I must not go,” said the Stork, “for I have promised to bring a baby to the King’s palace this evening.”

“I cannot go,” said the Dove, “for I have a nestful of little ones who depend upon me for food.”

“Nor I,” said the Sparrow, “for I am afraid.”  “Nor I!” “Nor I!” “Nor I!” echoed the other birds.

“I will not go,” croaked the Owl, “for I simply do not wish to.”

Then up spoke the little Wren, who had been keeping in the background of late, because he was despised for his attempt to deceive the birds into electing him their king.

“I will go,” said the Wren.  “I will go and bring fire to men.  I am of little use here.  No one loves me.  Every one despises me because of the trick which I played the Eagle, our King.  No one will care if I am injured in the attempt.  I will go and try.”

“Bravely spoken, little friend,” said the Eagle kindly.  “I myself would go but that I am the King, and kings must not risk the lives upon which hangs the welfare of their people.  Go you, little Wren, and if you are successful you will win back the respect of your brothers which you have forfeited.”