1866 – Pilot and the Nightingale

“Pilot and the Nightingale” is a full-page book plate image taken from “Animal Sagacity”, edited by Mrs S.C.Hall and published by S.W.Partridge, circa 1866. The anecdote is a remorseful story about a Newfoundland dog, who sadly disturbed the nest of a Nightingale, devouring its young. The parent bird, mourning its loss, was determined to teach the dog a lesson, and never left the dogs side, but tormented it with its wail and its mournful lamentation both day and night. It even followed the dog up to the steps of the house when the dog was let in. The owners of the dog always knew where the dog was due to the mournful wail of the bird, which followed the dog incessantly for three weeks to a month. When Mr Weir heard the story, he drew this picture, showing Pilot with a tear, as a token of his repentance or remorse. Available currently in only A4 and A3 sizing options.