Several of the younger clerks thought of saying 'Hear, hear,' but
they feared it might seem disrespectful to the bird.

'I will not take up your time,' the speaker went on, 'by
recapitulating the advantages to be derived from a proper use of
our system of fire insurance. I know, and you know, gentlemen,
that our aim has ever been to be worthy of that eminent bird whose
name we bear, and who now adorns our mantelpiece with his presence.
Three cheers, gentlemen, for the winged Head of the House!'

The cheers rose, deafening. When they had died away the Phoenix
was asked to say a few words.

It expressed in graceful phrases the pleasure it felt in finding
itself at last in its own temple.

'And,' it went on, 'You must not think me wanting in appreciation
of your very hearty and cordial reception when I ask that an ode
may be recited or a choric song sung. It is what I have always
been accustomed to.'

The four children, dumb witnesses of this wonderful scene, glanced
a little nervously across the foam of white faces above the sea of
black coats. It seemed to them that the Phoenix was really asking
a little too much.

'Time presses,' said the Phoenix, 'and the original ode of
invocation is long, as well as being Greek; and, besides, it's no
use invoking me when here I am; but is there not a song in your own