Aesop at Court :: :: University of Virginia Library

A tuneful Nightingal whose warbling Throat.
Was form'd for lofty Song:
With every Sweet Harmonious Note,
He charm'd the list'ning Throng;
The hooting Cuckow was displeas'd alone,
Condemn'd his Manner, and extol'd her Own.

This screaming Fop, quoth she, that Scares,
All Creatures with his din:
When Folks are listening to my Airs,
Forsooth he's putting in.
Here's such a chattring kept, and Odious Noise,
My Song's quite spoil'd with his confounded Voice.

The injur'd Songster Modestly reply'd,
Since you perform so fine:
The Contest let some Judge decide,
And try your Skill with mine;
Vanquish'd I'll your Superior Genius own,
The Cuckow shook her Head, and cry'd 'twas done.

A solemn ploding Ass that grass'd the Plain,
Was for an Umpire chose:
The Nightingal advanc'd his Strein,
And charm'd with e'ry close.
The Cuckows note was one unvarry'd tone,
Exceeding hoarse, yet pleas'd, she roar'd it on.

Appeal was made, the Judge this Sentence gave,
You Sirrah Nightingal!
Of Musick you some Smattrings have,
And may in time do well;
But for substantial Song, I needs must say,
My Friend the Cuckow bears the Bell away.

The MORAL.

Mackworth who Reads thy well digested Lines,
Where Eloquence, with nervous Reason Shines:
Sees Art and Judgment flow thro' ev'ry Page,
The Patriots Zeal, free from indecent Rage;
So pure thy Stile, thy Manners so refin'd,
Your Pen transmits the candour of your Mind.

Yet happier he that has the Answer Wrote,
In penury of Sense, and dearth of Thought:
Whilst Asses Judge, and faction claims a Vote,
Abusive Nonsense is the admir'd Note;
Where want of Art and Manners merit praise,
He Robs the Cuckow of her ancient Bays.