ONCE from the town a starling flew, And on the road there met his view A cuckoo, who to him did say: "What is the news from town to-day?" Said he: "The nightingale's sweet lays Receive from all the greatest praise. The thrush, the blackbird, and the wren, Are slightly mentioned now and then." Then said the cuckoo anxiously: "Pray tell me what they say of me." The starling faltered, then replied, What greatly hurt the cuckoo's pride: "That is a thing I cannot do, Because none ever speak of you." The cuckoo tossing, then, his head, In anger to the starling said: "I'll be revenged, and will from spite Sing of myself from morn till night." |