133. Of the Birds and the Owl.
1. ALmost all the birds once went to the Owl, and intreated her, that hereafter she would not build in the false roofs of houses, but rather in the boughs of a tree, and amongst the green branches, for there she might more sweetly take the pleasure of the spring.
2. Moreover, they shewed her a little Oak, that was newly sprung up, and somewhat tender as yet; in which forsooth the Owl, as they said, might sometimes sit softly, and make her nest for her self.
3. But she said, she would not do it.
4. But, on the other side, she gave them counsel, that they should not trust themselves to that little tree.
5. For it would one time or other bring forth bird-lime, to wit, the very bane of birds.
6. They, as they are a light and flickering kind, scorned the counsel of a wise Owl.
7. Now the Oak was grown up, now it was spread, now it was full of green leaves.
8. Behold, there all the birds flutter by flocks in the boughs, they are merry, they hop up and down, they play together, and they chirp.
9. In the mean time, that Oak had brought forth bird-lime, and men had observed it; thereupon, all the poor birds alike, were entangled there on a sudden; and when it was too late, they repented themselves in vain, because they had scorned that whole some advice.