Social Commentaries
The Bird Wounded by an Arrow
Translated by Walter Thornbury (1886) · From Fables (1668–1694)
A bird by well-aimed arrow shot,
Dying, deplored its cruel lot;
And cried, "It doubles every pain
When from oneself the cause of ruin's ta'en.
Oh, cruel men, from our own wings you drew
The plume that winged the shaft that slew;
But mock us not, you heartless race,
You too will some time take our place;
For half at least of Japhet's brothers
Forge swords and knives to slay the others."
Cite this poem
MLA
La Fontaine, Jean de. “The Bird Wounded by an Arrow.” Translated by Walter Thornbury. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/la-fontaine/36/.
Chicago
La Fontaine, Jean de. “The Bird Wounded by an Arrow.” Translated by Walter Thornbury. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/la-fontaine/36/.
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