in legend and history 69 



The Swallow and the Raven 



A Fable of Finland 



The swallow and the raven were singing 

 one day. The raven was making ugly 

 croaks, and the swallow reproved him 

 thus : — 



" You do not know how to sing. You 

 shriek as if you were 

 hovering over the carrion 



of beasts. I, instead, 

 celebrate my Creator 

 with my song." 

 The raven replied : " You may know how 

 to sing, but you cannot rival me in flying. 

 Though you may be very swift at the start, 

 you will tire in a long flight." 

 Then they both began to fly. 



