1. A man had a parrot, whose speech was always eloquent.
She was dear to her master, and all in the house adored her.

2. Yet there was also a dog living there, considered cheap
Next to the value of this exotic bird.

3. Thus the little lowers the great, its presence taken for granted.
Excellence itself seems common among the excellent.

4. One day the dog came to her furious with envy
And his heart burning with hatred for her.

5. He said “O queen of birds, life of joy and cheer!
Your lovely talk has become nothing but prattle to my ear

6. For I’m puzzled by thoughts that your words are but sugar.
Show me your tongue, let me see it up close!”

7. Then in her foolishness she stuck out her tongue,
And he bit it with his teeth and defamed her.

8. Then he left in his rage, barking as he went:
“I have silenced her, for her speech meant only taunts!”

9. But for me she had no equal, no revenge could suffice,
Save what they call the blow of fate – envy’s bite.