It is, indeed, imagined by some
philosophers, that even birds and beasts (tho without the power of
articulation) perfectly understand one another by the sounds they utter;
and that dogs, cats, etc., have each a particular language to
themselves, like different nations. Thus it may be supposed that the
nightingales of Italy have as fine an ear for their own native woodnotes
as any signor or signora for an Italian air; that the boars of
Westphalia gruntle as expressively through the nose as the inhabitants
in High German; and that the frogs in the dykes of Holland croak as
intelligibly as the natives jabber their Low Dutch. However this may be,
we may consider those whose tongues hardly seem to be under the
influence of reason, and do not keep up the proper conversation of human
creatures, as imitating the language of different animals. Thus, for
instance, the affinity between Chatterers and Monkeys, and Praters and
Parrots, is too obvious not to occur at once; Grunters and Growlers may
be justly compared to Hogs; Snarlers are Curs that continually show
their teeth, but never bite; and the Spitfire passionate are a sort of
wild cats that will not bear stroking, but will purr when they are
pleased. Complainers are Screech-Owls; and Story-Tellers, always
repeating the same dull note, are Cuckoos. Poets that prick up their
ears at their own hideous braying are no better than Asses. Critics in
general are venomous Serpents that delight in hissing, and some of them
who have got by heart a few technical terms without knowing their
meaning are no other than Magpies.
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