C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

The Young Cocks

By Babrius (c. Second Century A.D.)

TWO Tanagræan cocks a fight began;

Their spirit is, ’tis said, as that of man:

Of these the beaten bird, a mass of blows,

For shame into a corner creeping goes;

The other to the housetop quickly flew,

And there in triumph flapped his wings and crew.

But him an eagle lifted from the roof,

And bore away. His fellow gained a proof

That oft the wages of defeat are best,—

None else remained the hens to interest.

WHEREFORE, O man, beware of boastfulness:

Should fortune lift thee, others to depress,

Many are saved by lack of her caress.

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