August 20, 2008

Exhibit 26: Partial Transcript, George Bird Grinnell Address to Audubon Society, 1886


Grinnell: ...and that we may, as sentient beings, come to discernment that though preservation of the self may be innate, a birthright infused into our consciousness, that the preservation of other, simpler, but no less noble creatures, be they of the sky, the sea, or the rustic untamed wilderness and desert, should be considered equally vital to our world, our surroundings, our godly gift, and the hopes of those who pursue our cause long after we have committed our spirits to the greater wilderness. Have you, now, any additional remarks or questions?

Unknown: "Free Bird"!

Grinnell: If, by some chance, I should hasten to depart from your charms in the morrow, will your recollection of my entity be fervently preserved beyond this dalliance of our spirits? I feel the drive of the open, welcoming arms of the highway, for there are many other localities that spur my urges on. To remain in your company, nourishing as it may be, may result in unreasonable expectations that this flittering spark may remain as it was this past eve. Indeed, I am as liberated as the fowls that cage the sky -- those who have not been mass-slaughtered, that is -- and you, lovely as your wiles and wares have been, cannot alter or organize my wind-chained spirit, as it casts me this way and that. You cannot, I regretfully but steadfastly maintain, change this creature -- this free bird, if you will.

Unknown: "Stairway"!

Grinnell: Oh, yeah. Real original, pal.

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