The Duck And The Snake

On the borders of a pond
Stood a Duck, discoursing thus:
"Nature to me is generous
All creatures else beyond.

For my life, it hath no bound
Water, earth or air within;
I can fly or I can swim,
When a-weary of the ground."

A cunning Snake stood by.
And heard the vaunting strain;
And hissing said, "How vain
To hold yourself so high!

Not on land with the fleet Stag,
Or swift Falcon in the air,
Can you make good your brag:
In the water, too, the Trout
Will beat you out and out:
You with neither can compare."

* * * * *

The wise man knoweth well,
That it is not wisdom's end
In all things to pretend,--
But in something to excel.