Prevod

(A writer who puts his talent up for sale is seldom one of great merit.) A brightly plumed Macaw Watched from a balcony one day As a rustic from abroad (A Savoyard, I dare say) Showed off for money a creature 5 Of exceedingly ugly mien, Passing it off as a wonder: A Marmot, to be precise. Out of its little box came That ridiculous beast; 10 And the bird called down from the balcony: “What a curious fancy! “Ugly as you are, People actually pay to see you, While I, for all my beauty, here 15 Am seen by everyone for free! “You may, for all that, Be some rare and precious beast; But I know quite enough already In knowing you are for sale.” 20 A bad author, hearing this, Went away looking ashamed. —Why?—Because a printer Kept him in his pay.