– “I do not know, madam,” answered Mistress Margaret; “but, of all birds in the air, I would rather be the lark, that sings while he is drifting down the summer breeze, than the weathercock that sticks fast yonder upon his iron perch, and just moves so much as to discharge his duty, and tell us which way the wind blows.”

– “Metaphors are no arguments, my pretty maiden,” said the Lady Hermione, smiling.

– “I am sorry for that, madam,” answered Margaret; “for they are such a pretty indirect way of telling one’s mind when it differs from one’s betters — besides, on this subject there is no end of them, and they are so civil and becoming withal.”