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I.3. Graculus et Pavo

Parallels: For parallel versions, see Perry 472. For  help in translating the poem, use the page for this poem at NoDictionaries.com, with interlinear word lists! (Here are some tips on using the NoDictionaries tool.)

For MACRONS and METER, plus a PROSE version, see the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

The Vain Jackdaw (trans. C. Smart)

Lest any one himself should plume,

And on his neighbour's worth presume;

But still let Nature's garb prevail-

Esop has left this little tale:

A Daw, ambitious and absurd,

Pick'd up the quills of Juno's bird;

And, with the gorgeous spoil adorn'd,

All his own sable brethren scorn'd,

And join'd the peacocks-who in scoff

Stripp'd the bold thief; and drove him off

The Daw, thus roughly handled, went

To his own kind in discontent:

But they in turn contemn the spark,

And brand with many a shameful mark.

Then one he formerly disdain'd,

"Had you," said he, "at home remain'd--

Content with Nature's ways and will,

You had not felt the peacock's bill;

Nor 'mongst the birds of your own dress

Had been deserted in distress."