Stranica 179 [179]
PER STORY OF COQUERICO
A little farther on, Coquerico saw the wind lying breath¬
less on the ground.
“Dear Coquerico, come to my aid,” it cried; “here on
earth we should help one another. You see to what I am
reduced by the heat of the day; I, who in former times
uprooted the olive-trees and lashed the waves to frenzy,
lie here well-nigh slain by the dog-star. I suffered myself
to be lulled to sleep by the perfume of the roses with which
I was playing; and, lo! here I am, stretched almost lifeless
upon the ground. If you will raise me a couple of inches
with your beak and fan me a little with your wing, I shall
have the strength to mount to yonder white clouds which
I see in the distance, where I shall receive aid enough from
my family to keep me alive till I gain fresh strength from
the next whirlwind.”
“My lord,” answered the spiteful Coquerico, " Your Excel¬
lency has more than once amused himself by playing tricks
at my expense. It is not a week since your lordship glided
like a traitor behind me and diverted himself by opening
my tail like a fan and covering me with confusion in the
face of nations. Have patience, therefore, my worthy
friend; mockers always have their turn; it does them good
to repent and to learn to respect those whose birth, wit,
and beauty should screen them from the jests of a fool.”
And Coquerico, bristling his plumage, crowed three times
in his shrillest voice and proudly strutted onward.
141