A mock-bird in a village
Had somehow gained the skill
To imitate the voices
Of animals at will.

And, singing in his prison
Once at the close of day,
He gave with great precision
The donkey's heavy bray.

Well pleased, the mock-bird's master
Sent to the neighbors round,
And bade them come together
To hear that curious sound.

They came, and all were talking
In praise of what they heard,
And one delighted lady
Would fain have bought the bird.

A donkey listened sadly,
And said: “Confess I must,
That these are stupid people,
And terribly unjust.

“I'm bigger than the mock-bird,
And better bray than he,
Yet not a soul has uttered
A word in praise of me.”