History of Westchester County, New York, Vol. I

Rivington's paper of Feb- " ruary 16, has certainly all the subtilty of the ser- "pent; and has as dexterously wormed himself " round your estates, with as much address, and will " probably have the same success, as the first serpent " had, when he attacked our old grandmother. -- And " you, my friends, resemble the simple dove, for you " seem to be innocent and secure, although the de- " luder has already catched you in the snare: Then " be not offended at my calling you pigeons ; for " naturalists assure us, it is the very nature of this bird, " that she seems always calm and secure, and has no " inclination to defend herself, or her young ones, " from the attacks of men, beasts, or vermin, but al- .

" ways returns to the same hole to make her nest, " notwithstanding the experience she has had, of its " being utter destruction to her family. -- Just so it is " with you, ye people of Cortlandt, ije have e;/es, but " see not, and ears, but hear not. The Spectator, in " some of his beautiful lucubrations, mentions a young " Eastern Prince, who being severely reprimanded for " some unguarded folly of youth, immediately fell " down at the feet of his preceptor, and expressed " himself to this effect : -- O father, I now perceive, " that I have two souls, a good soul and a bad, in