The Jackdaw and the Pigeons

01. THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS. A discontented chattering Daw,
Was filled with envy when he saw
Some neighbour Pigeons live so well,
And longing much with them to dwell,
He washed his sooty feathers white,
And to the dovecote took his flight,
But held his tongue and crammed his maw,
And none found out the false Jackdaw.
But soon as he began to chatter,
Away they drove him with a clatter!
Back to his former friends he flew,
But none the whitened recreant knew.
Honesty is the best policy. Contentment is great gain. [more info]

The Jackdaw and the Pigeons

097. THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS. You will find the fable in English on this page; scroll to see if there are multiple English versions. [more info]

The Jackdaw and the Pigeons

102. THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS. A jackdaw, observing that the pigeons in a certain dove-cote lived well, and wanted for nothing, whitewashed his feathers, and endeavouring to look as much like a dove as he could, went and lived among them. The pigeons, not distinguishing him as long as he kept silent, forebode to give him any disturbance. But at last he forgot his character, and began to chatter; by which the pigeons, discovering what he was, flew upon him, and beat him away from the meat, so that he was obliged to fly back to the jackdaws again. They, not knowing him in his discoloured feathers, drove him away likewise, so that he who had endeavoured to be more than he had a right to, was not permitted to be anything at all. [more info]

The Jackdaw and the Doves

04. THE JACKDAW AND THE DOVES. A JACKDAW, observing how well cared for were the Doves in a certain dovecote, whitewashed himself and went to take a part in the same way of living. The Doves were friendly enough so long as he kept silence, taking him for one of themselves, but when he once forgot himself and gave a croak, they immediately perceived his character and cuffed him out. So the Jackdaw, having failed in getting a share of good things there, returned to his brother Jackdaws. But these latter, not recognising him because of his colour, kept him out of their mess also, so that in his desire for two things he got neither. [more info]