Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 9.djvu/316

282 THE STORK'S VOCATION.

 THE DILETTANTE AND THE CRITIC.

a pigeon once possessed, In gay and brilliant plumage dressed; He loved it well, and in boyish sport Its food to take from his mouth he taught, And in his pigeon he took such pride, That his joy to others he needs must confide.

An aged fox near the place chanced to dwell, Talkative, clever, and learned as well; The boy his society used to prize, Hearing with pleasure his wonders and lies.

"My friend, the fox, my pigeon must see!" He ran, and stretched 'mongst the bushes lay he. "Look, fox, at my pigeon, my pigeon so fair! His equal I'm sure thou hast looked upon ne'er!" 