Quotes · Quote card
Quotation from The Natural History of Selborne by Gilbert White
“Thus not only ‘the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass has master’s crib,’* but the most abject reptile and torpid of beings distinguishes the hand that feeds it, and is touched with the feelings of gratitude”
The Natural History of Selborne, To Barrington, Letter XIII (1789 text)
The tortoise hobbles toward the old lady who has cared for it for thirty years, and White applies Isaiah 1:3 to it with affectionate humor.
Citation: "Thus not only ‘the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass has master’s crib,’* but the most abject reptile and torpid of beings distinguishes the hand that feeds it, and is touched with the feelings of gratitude" — Gilbert White, The Natural History of Selborne, To Barrington, Letter XIII (1789 text). (id the-natural-history-of-selborne-q5)
Portrait: White's Selborne 1813 title page (detail), Gilbert White, Public domain.
