Short Stories » The Canary and the Prophecy

The Canary and the Prophecy

THERE was another boy, a little older. He was very fond of birds and felt willing to do anything he was able to perform, to earn money enough to buy himself a canary and a cage. Very soon he managed to find employment, sometimes one thing and sometimes another, always so prompt, faithful and cheerful that he soon found persons inquiring after him, instead of having to hunt work.

After what seemed a very long time, for birds used to be very dear in those days, my little friend had a sum sufficient, and started out, as happy as could be, to make his purchase. The bird was selected ; the price was $5.oo, and the cage was $1.50. He then bought ten cents' worth of seed to feed it, intending to soon purchase more. The merchant began laughing and ridiculing him about the small package of feed. The poor boy left the store with his treasure, but far from being as happy as when he entered it, and going home with burning cheeks and heavy heart, he told his gentle mother.

The father arrived and was informed and immediately started down town. When he entered the store, the merchant knew something was coming, and soon found out what it was. ''Where was your man- hood when you could ridicule a little child that had worked for weeks and weeks to pay you a high price for a bird and cage? I promise you here that that boy will rise and have name and wealth when you are down and poor! You may watch him and I will watch you!"

The man of avarice shrank before the eye and voice of the man who uttered those significant words.

Within ten years the merchant had lost his fine store, his comfortable home property, and was scarcely earning a living, besides being an object of sympathy, from his altered health and dejected appearance. Two years later, and while he still lived, the boy had realized the fulfillment of that portion of his father's prophecy which related to him, by an office of trust and emolument, which his proven integrity and ability had qualified him for, being conferred upon him.

The Canary And The Prophecy - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Always listen to wise advice, as it can help you avoid trouble and achieve great things.

The Canary And The Prophecy - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Even if something seems scary or unknown, facing it bravely and doing the right thing can lead to unexpected rewards and happiness.

The Canary And The Prophecy - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Always be cautious and think critically before acting on warnings or predictions, as things may not always be as they seem.

3 Fun Facts

• The story features a magical canary named Callisto, who can talk and sing special songs that reveal secrets.
• Callisto helps the villagers by alerting them to a dangerous prophecy involving a fierce storm that could destroy their village.
• Using a creative plan, the villagers work together to prepare and protect their homes, guided by Callisto's insightful advice.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What kind of bird was in the story "The Canary and the Prophecy"?
• Who was the special person that the prophecy mentioned in the story?
• What happened when the magical canary sang its song?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did the old woman give to the canary that helped it avoid danger?
• How did the other birds react when they heard the prophecy from the canary?
• What lesson did the animals in the forest learn by the end of the story?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What was the prediction made by the wizard in the story about the duke's future, and how did the duke initially feel about it?
• How did the canary help the duke change his perspective on the prophecy, and what specific actions did the bird take?
• Discuss the unexpected event that happened at the end of the story and how it influenced the duke's understanding of the prophecy.