https://cahiersforell.edel.univ-poitiers.fr:443/cahiersforell/index.php?id=342 In my return from Italy I brought him with me to the country in whose language he had learned his notes – and telling the story of him to Lord A – Lord A begged the bird of me – in a week Lord A gave him to Lord B – Lord B made a present of him to Lord C – and Lord C’s gentleman sold him to Lord D’s for a shilling – Lord D gave him to Lord E – and so on – half round the alphabet – From that rank he passed into the lower house, and passed the hands of as many commoners – But as all these wanted to get in – and my bird wanted to get out – he had almost as little store set by him in London as in Paris. It is impossible but many of my readers must have heard of him ; and if any by mere chance have ever seen him – I beg leave to inform them, that that bird was my bird – or some vile copy set up to represent him. I have nothing further to add upon him, but that from that time to this, I have borne this poor starling as the crest to my arms. – Thus : – And let the herald’s officers twist his neck about if they dare. Laurence Sterne, A Sentimental Journey, Through France and Italy, 1768. Revue papier (Archives 1993-2001) Lisible/visible : pratiques fr mar., 13 oct. 2015 18:47:42 +0200 mar., 13 oct. 2015 18:47:42 +0200 https://cahiersforell.edel.univ-poitiers.fr:443/cahiersforell/index.php?id=342 0