018. THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS. A farmer was sowing his field with flax: the swallow observed it, and desired the other birds to assist her in picking the seed up, and destroying it, telling them that flax was that pernicious material of which the thread was composed which made the fowlers’ nets, and by that means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent birds; but the poor swallow, not having the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up, and appeared above the ground.
She then put them in mind once more of their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud, before it went any farther. They still neglected her warnings, and the flax grew up into the high stalk.
She yet again desired them to attack it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to be ridiculed and despised for a silly, pretending prophet. The swallow, finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the society of such unthinking careless creatures, before it was too late. So quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses, and forsaking the conversation of the birds, has ever since made her abode among the dwellings of men. [more info]
She then put them in mind once more of their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud, before it went any farther. They still neglected her warnings, and the flax grew up into the high stalk.
She yet again desired them to attack it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to be ridiculed and despised for a silly, pretending prophet. The swallow, finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the society of such unthinking careless creatures, before it was too late. So quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses, and forsaking the conversation of the birds, has ever since made her abode among the dwellings of men. [more info]
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