FABLE.
The mountain and the squirrelHad a quarrel,And the former called the latter “Little Prig.”Bun replied:“You are doubtless very big;But all sorts of things and weatherMust be taken in togetherTo make up a yearAnd a sphere;And I think it no disgraceTo occupy my place.If I am not so large as you,You are not so small as I,And not half so spry.I’ll not deny you makeA very pretty squirrel track;Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;If I cannot carry forests on my backNeither can you crack a nut!”
The mountain and the squirrelHad a quarrel,And the former called the latter “Little Prig.”Bun replied:“You are doubtless very big;But all sorts of things and weatherMust be taken in togetherTo make up a yearAnd a sphere;And I think it no disgraceTo occupy my place.If I am not so large as you,You are not so small as I,And not half so spry.I’ll not deny you makeA very pretty squirrel track;Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;If I cannot carry forests on my backNeither can you crack a nut!”
The mountain and the squirrelHad a quarrel,And the former called the latter “Little Prig.”Bun replied:“You are doubtless very big;But all sorts of things and weatherMust be taken in togetherTo make up a yearAnd a sphere;And I think it no disgraceTo occupy my place.If I am not so large as you,You are not so small as I,And not half so spry.I’ll not deny you makeA very pretty squirrel track;Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;If I cannot carry forests on my backNeither can you crack a nut!”
The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter “Little Prig.”
Bun replied:
“You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere;
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I am not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.
I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back
Neither can you crack a nut!”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson.