Aesop for Today

Aesop for Today, January 28

In Germany, the Reformers thought highly of Aesop's Fables, and used them vigorously against their opponents. Martin Luther even began a new translation of them, and is said to have valued them next to the Holy Scriptures.*

The Peacock's Complaint

The Peacock complained to the goddess Juno (wife of Jupiter) that while everyone laughed at his voice, an insignificant creature like the Nightingale had a note that delighted all listeners. Juno, angry at the unreasonableness of her favorite bird, scolded him in the following terms:

"Envious bird that you are, I am sure you have no cause to complain. On your neck shine all the colors of the rainbow, and your extented tail gleams like a mass of gems. No living being has every good thing to its own share. The Falcon is endowed with swiftness; the Eagle, strength; the Parrot, speech; the Raven, the gift of augury; and the Nightingale with a melodious note; while you have both size and beauty. Cease then to complain, or the gifts you have shall be taken away." 

Contentment is the source of every joy.

*taken from The Fables of Aesop

Based on the Texts of L'Estrange and Croxall

Books, Inc. Publishers, New York and Boston, no year indicated

Part 1: The Fables of Aesop

Part 2: Aesop for Thursday, January 17

Part 3: Aesop for Friday, January 18

Part 4: Aesop for Monday, January 21

Part 5: Aesop for Tuesday, January 22

Part 6: Aesop for Wednesday, January 23

Part 7: Aesop for Thursday, January 24

Part 8: Aesop for Thursday, January 25